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‘It’s An Act Of God’ – N’Delta Rights Activist, Ozobo, Narrates Ordeal In Kidnappers’ Hands; Decries Worsen Security In Delta

Published

10 months ago

March 9, 2025

Niger Delta human rights activist, Comrade Austin Ozobo, has narrated how he and others were attacked by herdsmen along the Ohoror/Bomadi Road in Delta State.

Ozobo, while narrating his ordeal in the hands of the daredevils, said the kidnappers called him and other persons with him internet fraudsters, otherwise known as “Yahoo Boys.”

Ozobo, who is the National President of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), said it was an “Act of God” that his life and those of others were spared during the attack.

He described the security situation in Delta State as very “alarming,” stressing that “one could no longer travel for fear of herdsmen.”

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the herdsmen on Saturday, February 22, Comrade Ozobo said, “We were coming from a burial ceremony at Torugbene when our vehicle broke down around 6 p.m., about a kilometer before Agadama on Ohoror road.

“We were trying to find a solution, looking for a tire and a mechanic to fix the car. The process took us several hours. Eventually, we were able to get a mechanic and a new tire to fix our vehicle. Exactly at 10:30 p.m., the new tire and mechanic arrived.

“While we were fixing the car, all our attention was on the tire. Everyone pointed their phone torches at the mechanic who was fixing the tire. Suddenly, we saw some persons pointing torches at us, surrounding us in a circle. At very close range, they pointed their torches along with AK-47 and AK-49 rifles at us and ordered us to go down, warning that if anyone attempted to run, they would shoot.”

According to Ozobo, “Immediately, all of us went down. They took advantage of us. At first, the leader of the gang asked where we were coming from. They even called us Yahoo Boys, saying we should bring all our belongings because we were Yahoo Boys. We told them we were not Yahoo Boys, that we were just coming from a burial.

“One of them whispered to the leader that they should take us to the forest, but the leader downplayed that decision. Instead, they took all our phones and money. After that, they asked us to unlock our phones and transfer money. We were all crying that we didn’t have money to transfer. We were praying to our God to intervene.

“At that time, there was no security patrol along the Ohoror road. The military stationed at the extreme end of the bridge under construction in that area did not intervene. No one came to our rescue. The operation lasted for about an hour. We were all lying on the ground while people started unlocking their phones.

“One of the attackers approached me and asked me to delete my phone data instead of unlocking it. That was my sad experience.

“I was trying to delete information on my phone, and in the process, I managed to delete my banking apps from both of my phones.

“Suddenly, he came back and accused me of disobeying him. I asked how I was disobeying him, but he used a cutlass to hit me on my back about three times. The leader then intervened, saying it was not ‘delete’ but ‘unlock’ that his boy was trying to say.

“I was trying to unlock my phone, but out of annoyance and frustration, I couldn’t settle down and do it properly. The leader then pointed out that everyone else had finished unlocking their phones and, since I was being defiant, they should take me to the forest.

“But the ancestors of Ijaw land and God Almighty would not allow that. I was praying within me.

“Suddenly, the leader ordered me to give them my password. I called out my password, they entered it, and my phone opened. Thereafter, the leader told the boys they had overstayed at the scene and should move to the forest. Before they left, they asked us to stand up and move.

“I wasn’t pleased with this because, in several instances, robbers or bandits have asked victims to move before shooting them from behind. I wasn’t comfortable with the idea. When others stood up, I didn’t.

“After some time, we moved to our vehicle and managed to escape from the scene that night.”

Comrade Ozobo described Ohoror/Bomadi road as a death trap, saying, “Before our incident, Manager’s brother, one Febogha, was killed about two or three days earlier, on February 22, Saturday. After our incident, the same herdsmen operating in the area killed two residents at Uwheru Community.

“When I spoke with people from Agadama Community, they told me the situation was out of control, and they could no longer stay in their homes comfortably or sleep with both eyes closed. They even evacuated students from the extreme end of the community. Many residents have left that part of the community. Last Saturday, I was told that herdsmen raided Agadama again, forcing all residents to flee to Ohoror Community.”

Comrade Ozobo said, “The situation is precarious and tense,” pointing out that Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not doing anything about it. “That has been my anger. How can you be ruling a state, your people are being attacked, and you say you are not aware of it? You cannot say you are not aware of it!”

Comrade Ozobo lambasted Governor Oborevwori, saying, “When you talk about development, it is a wide term. When people say a governor is developing a state, it’s a broad term. It’s not just about constructing roads. How many poor families have cars to drive on the roads?” he asked.

He said, “Development encompasses empowerment and proper security.

“Constructing roads alone cannot qualify you (Oborevwori) as a development master.”

Comrade Ozobo urged Governor Oborevwori to directly address the insecurity threatening the lives and properties of citizens and residents of the state by tackling the security challenges at Ohoror/Bomadi.

(DAILY POST)

Related Topics:#Kidnappers Austin Ozobo Delta

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NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

18 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

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Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

18 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

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PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.