Tension has gripped Uduere community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State after suspected kidnappers allegedly killed a security guard and abducted a 14-year-old girl on Saturday.
The slain guard was identified by residents as Umukoro Obukohwo Emmanuel.
Sources said he was attacked with a machete while opening the gate to his workplace. He sustained severe cuts, with one hand reportedly chopped off.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, after killing the guard, forced their way into a nearby apartment. When the teenager came out to check what was happening, the attackers allegedly seized her and fled.
Community sources disclosed that the girl’s family has since received a ransom demand of N100 million.
Residents expressed anger and fear over the rising insecurity, accusing some community leaders of politicizing security matters. They claimed an earlier internal security outfit that helped protect Uduere was disbanded after objections from some persons, leaving the community vulnerable.
“The security situation in Uduere is becoming unbearable,” a resident who asked not to be named said. “Some leaders are playing politics with our lives.The constitution guarantees the right to life, but people are taking our lives for granted. We call on the Delta State government to prioritize our safety.”
A security source within the Delta State Police Command, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and said police are actively pursuing the suspects.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement with further details or confirmation of the ransom demand.
