By Emmanuel Ogoigbe, Warri
Following peaceful protests against incessant kidnappings and killings, police and hunters in Delta State, South-South Nigeria, in the early hours of today gunned down four suspected kidnappers perceived to be killer herdsmen.
The development took place in Abraka community, Ethiope-East Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
They recovered one AK47 rifle from the suspects.
At the time of this report, the lifeless bodies of the suspects were seen lying at the Abraka Police Division.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent (SP) Bright Edafe, was yet to reply to Short Message Service (SMS) and WhatsApp messages sent to him by our correspondent on the matter, which had attracted a curious crowd.
Human rights activist, Comrade Efemena Umukoro, in a statement, hailed the Police and the local hunters for what he described as their doggedness in fighting kidnapping and terrorist acts in the area.
According to him, the earlier all kidnappers were brought to justice, the better for the people of Abraka community and environs.
Meanwhile, State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal and improved healthcare delivery with the commissioning of multiple intra-city roads in Warri South LGA as well as state-of-the-art medical equipment in Central Hospital, Warri.
Speaking at the event attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, captains of industry, and stakeholders, the Governor described the projects as critical interventions to boost economic activities and strengthen healthcare services across the oil-rich state.
“These roads are strategic to trade, commerce, and our broader urban renewal drive,” Oborevwori said.
“Our people are happy because when you have good roads, your vehicles last longer, businesses thrive, and communities grow stronger,” he stressed.
The projects commissioned include the reconstruction of Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads alongside 9.03km of drainage; General Hospital Road with a spur to Police Command Road; and the reconstruction of Esisi Road to Estate Roundabout with a spur to Nana College Road.
Others are the construction of Ogunu (Agogo) community roads; Ope Street with a spur to Omene Street; and rehabilitation of key access roads in Ugbuwangue and the Shell Gate corridor.
In total, the projects cover over 10.9km of roads, symbolizing the state government’s resolve to restore Warri’s infrastructure and economy.
On the health front, Gov. Oborevwori commissioned eight advanced dialysis machines at Central Hospital Warri—including three Nipro Harmodialysis machines—and announced the distribution of 25 4D ultrasound scanners to all LGAs in the state.
“Each LGA will receive a 4D ultrasound machine to enhance maternal and infant care,” he said.
“Health workers in our primary health centres will be trained this week to operate them effectively. This is part of our aggressive effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality across Delta,” he added.
The Governor also revealed plans for further improvement of medical infrastructure, including two new CT scan units—one already installed at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital -and another for Central Hospital Warri, which is awaiting installation.
“Our administration is determined to ensure that our hospitals and health centres are fully equipped to deliver affordable and quality care,” he noted.
“As the saying goes, health is wealth, and we are investing where it matters most,” the governor said.
Oborevwori urged continued peace and vigilance in communities across the state, warning that any threats to public peace or illegal occupation of land will be met with the full weight of the law.
“Our youths must shun any act of land grabbing. We passed a law against this in 2018 to create an enabling environment for investment and development. Any encroacher will bear the consequences alone,” he warned.
While promising more projects across the state in the coming months, the Governor lauded the Chairman of Warri South LGA, Hon. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, for his effective management of local affairs and for maintaining stability despite political tensions.
Oborevwori also addressed concerns about the location of a proposed new stadium in Warri, assuring the people that the government is committed to siting it within the city.
“We wanted to build a 13,000-seat stadium, but land is a challenge in the core Warri area.
“Taking it outside the town defeats the purpose. But we’ve awarded the contract and, by God’s grace, the project will be completed by the end of next year,” he said.
With fanfare and support from the host communities, Gov. Oborevwori declared the roads and medical projects officially commissioned “to the glory of God and the service of humanity.”
