Delta Women Protest Mysterious Disappearance of 26 Children as Insecurity Escalates in Agbarho, Abraka

In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves through Delta State, dozens of women from the Agbarho community in Ughelli North Local Government Area took to the streets on Friday, June 6, 2025, to protest the mysterious disappearance of at least 26 children in the area. The peaceful but emotionally charged demonstration highlights the growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Delta State.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the protesting women, dressed in black, marched through major streets in Agbarho, chanting songs of sorrow and waving placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Stealing Our Children,” “Where Are Our Kids?” and “We Want Justice.”

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

Children Vanishing Without Trace

Community sources told TJ News Nigeria that over the past eight months, 26 children — mostly between the ages of 3 and 10 — have gone missing under mysterious circumstances. Despite several complaints to security agencies and local authorities, there have been no meaningful updates or recoveries, fueling frustration among residents.

“We are living in fear every day,” said one of the protesting mothers who gave her name as Mrs. Efe Okoro. “Children go to school and never return. Some disappear while playing just in front of their homes. Nobody is safe anymore.”

Another protester, Mrs. Itohan Orugbo, told TJ News Nigeria that the government and security forces have failed them. “If our children were the children of senators or top politicians, would they still be missing?” she asked bitterly.

Traditional Leaders Speak Out

The Ovie of Agbarho Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ogurimerime Okorefe I, has condemned the wave of disappearances, describing them as “a declaration of war against the people.” In a statement, he called on security agencies to “act swiftly or risk the total breakdown of law and order in the community.”

He also urged community vigilantes to increase surveillance in all quarters of Agbarho and advised parents to monitor their children closely.

Insecurity Spreading Across Delta

The Agbarho incident is not isolated. TJ News Nigeria learnt that insecurity is spiraling across various parts of Delta State, especially in Abraka, a university town in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

Just last week, two young boys identified as Okiemute and Oghenekaro Efe, aged 19 and 23 respectively, were brutally murdered by unidentified gunmen in Abraka. The incident occurred late at night along the popular Ekrejeta Road, leaving the town in shock.

Residents told TJ News Nigeria that the siblings were returning from a local church event when they were ambushed and shot multiple times. The attackers made no attempt to rob the victims, leading to suspicions of a targeted killing.

“It’s a clear assassination,” said a local youth leader, Comrade Success Egbe. “We are no longer safe in our homes or on the streets. If these kinds of killings continue, people will start taking the law into their own hands.”

Rising Crime Rates and Police Inaction

Delta State has seen a disturbing uptick in crime in recent months, including:

• Kidnappings in major towns like Abraka, Sapele, Warri, and Ughelli

• Armed robbery incidents along the Ughelli–Patani Expressway

• Ritual killings and cult clashes in Ozoro, Oleh, and Abraka

• Increased reports of missing persons in Ethiope East and North

Despite repeated complaints from community leaders and youth organizations, many residents accuse the Delta State Police Command of “gross inaction” and “tactical silence.”

TJ News Nigeria reports that the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, had yet to issue a formal statement regarding the Agbarho children or the killing of the two brothers in Abraka as of press time.

Parents Demand Answers, Urge State Government Intervention

Several affected families have called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and declare a state of emergency on security in Delta State.

“We voted for this government because we believed in the MORE agenda,” said Mr. James Edibor, whose 5-year-old daughter went missing in March. “But more than 90 days later, we have heard nothing. We are being abandoned.”

Community stakeholders are demanding the deployment of military personnel to volatile areas, restoration of defunct neighborhood watch programs, and urgent reform in local policing strategy.

Lawmakers React

Member representing Ughelli North Constituency II at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Omonade, condemned the spate of disappearances and killings, vowing to raise the matter on the floor of the House.

“We cannot fold our arms and allow criminals to take over our communities,” he said. “This matter requires immediate legislative and executive attention.”

Religious Leaders Call for Prayers

Church leaders in Agbarho and Abraka are also stepping in, organizing nightly vigils and community prayers. “This is both a spiritual and societal problem,” said Pastor Aganbi Emeka of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abraka Parish. “We must return to God but also demand justice from those in power.”

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Editor’s Note

As the wave of insecurity continues to cast a dark shadow over Delta State, residents say they have had enough of lip service and political rhetoric. With 26 children missing and multiple lives lost in recent weeks, families are demanding action — not condolences.

For the people of Agbarho and Abraka, justice delayed is rapidly becoming justice denied.

TJ News Nigeria will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Additional Reporting by Omajemite Don | TJ News Nigeria