A female real estate agent, identified as Esther Ojo Osazee, was abducted by unidentified gunmen near the Nigeria Admiralty University in Ibusa, Oshimili north local government area of Delta State.
The attack, which occurred on Monday, also left a police officer wounded in an ambush.
Sources revealed that Esther and three colleagues were returning from a land inspection when their vehicle came under heavy gunfire.
Watch the video of the testimony about Esther’
While the others managed to escape, she was seized by the assailants.
One of the escapees sustained severe bullet wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment.
In a bid to rescue the victim, a team of police officers was also ambushed, leading to one officer sustaining gunshot injuries.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the attack but stated that no fatalities were recorded.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to track down the kidnappers and ensure Esther’s safe return.
Tragic End: Kidnapped Realtor Esther Found Dead Amid Growing Security Concerns in Delta
The wave of insecurity gripping the State has claimed yet another victim as the lifeless body of kidnapped realtor Esther has been recovered.
Just days after she was abducted by gunmen near the Nigeria Admiralty University in Ibusa, her fate has been sealed in tragedy.
A graduate who had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Esther had her whole future ahead of her.
Yet, in a state battling rising criminal activities, her life was cut short.
The discovery of her remains has left her loved ones devastated, and her body is expected to be deposited in the mortuary.
This incident has once again put the spotlight on the deteriorating security situation in Delta State.
Instead of rallying behind those advocating for security reforms, some have chosen to politicize the crisis, branding key voices as alarmists.
Critics have labeled a prominent security advocate as the “Delta State Merchant of Bad News,” dismissing his warnings even as criminal elements continue to terrorize innocent residents.
Despite repeated calls for action, there has been no significant move from security agencies to deploy drones for aerial surveillance in these ungoverned areas.
Many are questioning why the Delta State Hunters Association has not been engaged in tackling insecurity in these volatile regions.
Amid the outcry, Amb. Dr. Jonathan Obokohwemu, the Delta State Commander of the Nigeria Hunters Association, has been suggested as a capable leader to combat the growing threats.
With a deep understanding of the region’s forests and an existing structure of trained hunters, he could be instrumental in restoring security.
Calls have been made for the Delta State Government to engage him without delay.
As Esther’s family mourns her loss, the question remains: How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken against the rising tide of insecurity?
