Tensions have reached a boiling point in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, following the tragic killing of two suspected kidnappers by an enraged mob.
The suspects were forcefully retrieved from the Mosogar Divisional Police Station a few days ago, an act that has now sparked deep security concerns between Mosogar and Oghara Kingdoms.
In the wake of the unfortunate incident, some individuals within the local government have seized the situation to fuel unrest, calling for war, civil disobedience, and using incendiary language that threatens to push the already tense region toward anarchy.
This growing atmosphere of hostility must be addressed with wisdom, patience, and a commitment to peace.
The Call for Justice and Due Process
While the barbaric mob action has rightly drawn condemnation, it is crucial that we allow security operatives to conduct their investigations thoroughly and holistically.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State must keep a close watch on those inciting reprisal and war, acting as though the entire Mosogar community, which has suffered immensely from kidnappings over the past two years, is collectively responsible for the alleged killing of their own sons and neighbors.
We must resist the temptation to politicize this tragedy. Unfortunately, certain individuals have hijacked the situation to settle political scores and personal vendettas, instead of focusing on justice and peace.
Such divisive actions only serve to aggravate the crisis, turning a community’s shared pain into a dangerous weapon.
Mourning All Victims — Not Just Some
As we demand justice for the two men who lost their lives, we must also remember the many victims of kidnapping in Mosogar who never returned, families who sold properties, borrowed money, and lived through unimaginable psychological trauma.
Condemning criminality in all its forms, including kidnapping, is essential for true healing in the local government.
Unraveling the Bitter Root of the Crisis
At the center of this problem lies a troubling silence, the testimony of a woman from Ijomi community who allegedly witnessed the true kidnapper, a man terrorizing Mosogar, borrowing a phone to call for ransom.
Yet, despite knowing this, she and others remained silent, failing to alert the police or youth groups. Now, over two months after ransom payment, the victim has still not returned.
This silence has become the root of the anguish and unrest we face today.
It is imperative that the police not only investigate those responsible for the mob killing but also interrogate this woman from Ijomi. Her knowledge may hold the key to unraveling the kidnapping syndicate tormenting Mosogar Kingdom.
Appeal for Peace and Unity
To my Oghara brothers, I plead — let us calm down and resist the urge to retaliate. We must live before politics can take center stage. No political or personal rift is worth the blood of our people.
I call on Oghara Voice and other bloggers to stop sensational publications that worsen the tension, pushing for reprisal attacks that could be bloody on both sides.
A Shared Responsibility for Peace
We cannot condemn one dastardly act while encouraging another. The right path forward is through justice, not vengeance. Political differences must not be allowed to derail the fragile peace of Ethiope West.
No soul in our local government should die in a crisis we can prevent. Let’s choose peace, dialogue, and a collective effort to build the Ethiope West we all hope to see.
May God bless Mosogar Kingdom, Oghara Kingdom, Idjerhe Kingdom, and the entire Ethiope West.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe, confirmed the incident.
The Command’s image maker said: “It confirmed and unlawful, we are on the trail of those responsible”.
Credit: Comr. Ovie Bethel|WhatsApp
