Community Advocacy Group Calls for Action to Combat Rising Insecurity in Delta State
The Ogara Study Group (OSG), a citizen advocacy organization based in the Ethiopian West Local Government Area of Delta State, is urging immediate action to address the escalating issues of kidnappings, cultism, banditry, and murder in the Ogara Kingdom.
During a global Zoom press conference convened by Professor Oganeluona Egwery and Pastor David Ugolah, the group expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating security landscape, warning that it poses a significant threat to both the safety of residents and the socio-economic advancement of the region.
OSG members lamented the recent surge in organized crime, which has transformed Oghara—once known for its peace—into a hotspot for kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, cult-related violence, and ritual killings. The group pointed to a particularly troubling incident involving a couple; the husband allegedly lost his life at the hands of his kidnappers while his wife was released following a ransom payment, emphasizing the dire state of security in the area.
The advocacy group highlighted that pervasive insecurity threatens key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, and overall public safety along critical routes like the busy Wari-Sapele Expressway. This corridor is vital, serving as a gateway to Ahoboland and housing essential institutions including Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) and several multinational oil and gas companies.
OSG cataloged multiple incidents of kidnappings and attacks affecting residents, farmers, and tourists in communities such as Ogarefe, Ogareki, Otefe, Obade, and Ijomi. They noted that although some victims were able to secure their freedom after paying ransoms, others tragically did not survive prior to rescue efforts.
The group’s concerns were further heightened by reports of increasing activity from armed and cult groups within O’Gara and surrounding areas. Educational institutions and major transit routes have also become targets, instilling fear among students, workers, and travelers alike.
Recognizing the weak link in coordinated security measures rather than placing blame on individual agencies, OSG called for strengthened collaboration among security forces, traditional institutions, local vigilante groups, and civil society organizations. They advocate for local stakeholders to take an active role in developing and implementing community-based security strategies.
In their appeal to the Federal Government, OSG requested the deployment of additional police personnel and, if necessary, a joint military-police task force to safeguard vital public institutions along the Warri-Sapele Corridor and in Oghara. They also urged investigations into recent criminal activities and called upon the Delta State government to enhance regional security, provide operational logistics, and formally integrate community vigilante groups into the local security architecture.
Furthermore, OSG has called for an emergency security summit hosted by the Western Ethiopia Local Government Council. This gathering, involving traditional leaders, security agencies, religious figures, and community representatives, aims to devise a sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis. The group reaffirmed its commitment to working with government bodies and other stakeholders to restore peace and security throughout the Ogara Kingdom.
