Abraka Tragedy: Two Brothers Killed by Kidnappers Days After Anti-Insecurity Protest

Tragedy struck the university town of Abraka, Delta State, as two brothers were gruesomely murdered in the bush by suspected kidnappers, barely 48 hours after one of them reportedly protested against the growing spate of abductions and killings in the region.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the deceased brothers, whose identities are being withheld pending official confirmation from the police, were allegedly lured into a bush area in Abraka where they had gone to negotiate a land sale, only to be ambushed and killed by suspected armed herdsmen.

Outrage as Victims Are Identified

According to sources within the Abraka community, the two victims were biological siblings from the same parents and known within their circles as hardworking and enterprising young men. Their brutal killing has sparked widespread outrage and mourning across the state, especially given the chilling irony that one of them had taken to social media days earlier to raise alarm over the increasing rate of kidnapping in Delta communities.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the brothers were allegedly killed in cold blood, with reports suggesting that their attackers may have initially attempted to kidnap them for ransom before things took a fatal turn.

Community in Mourning, Residents Demand Action

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout Abraka and the entire Ethiope East Local Government Area, with local residents describing the situation as both heartbreaking and terrifying.

“It is unbelievable. Just two days ago, he was speaking up against kidnapping in Abraka, and today, he’s gone—killed by the same evil he condemned,” said a visibly shaken youth leader who spoke to TJ News Nigeria under anonymity.

Mourners have since flooded social media with tributes to the victims, describing them as “peace-loving,” “responsible,” and “deeply family-oriented.”

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Calls for State and Federal Intervention

Security analysts and civil society organisations are calling for immediate and decisive intervention from both the Delta State Government and federal security agencies, warning that if left unaddressed, such unchecked violence could spiral into wider unrest.

TJ News Nigeria reports that residents are urging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to prioritize the deployment of local intelligence and security patrols in rural areas like Abraka, which have become hotspots for herdsmen-linked violence and kidnapping.

Police Yet to Release Official Statement

As of the time of filing this report, Delta State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources within the force confirm that a full investigation has been launched, and efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.

A senior police officer, who spoke to TJ News Nigeria on condition of anonymity, confirmed that “the bush where the incident occurred has been combed,” and that “we are working with local vigilantes to track down the assailants.”

Background: Rise in Insecurity in Delta’s Rural Areas

Delta State has witnessed a spike in insecurity in recent years, with kidnappings, armed robberies, and attacks on farmers being reported in various localities, particularly those bordering forest reserves and rural settlements.

The Federal Government’s inability to regulate open grazing and flush out criminal elements among herders has been a major concern in Southern Nigeria, where farming communities often find themselves under siege.

Family and Friends in Grief

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the bereaved family is devastated by the incident, with relatives and friends describing the loss as “an irreparable wound.” Burial arrangements are reportedly underway, pending the conclusion of autopsy and police investigations.