Terror swept through Delta State on Sunday as heavily armed gunmen—suspected to be herdsmen—unleashed coordinated abductions across two local government areas, leaving residents of Issele-Azagba and Agbor communities in panic and despair. At least six individuals were kidnapped within hours, prompting the Catholic Church to declare a day of solemn prayer for divine intervention.
SaharaReporters gathered that the wave of kidnappings began at dawn with the abduction of a 64-year-old woman, Mrs. Juliana Nzei, a retiree, at the entrance of DDPA Estate in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area. Mrs. Nzei was on her way to attend morning mass at St. Michael the Archangel Parish when she was forcibly taken by unidentified assailants believed to be lurking in a Toyota Camry.
Later that same day, two other residents of Issele-Azagba in Aniocha South were reportedly seized by gunmen. As the local vigilante and security agents launched a frantic rescue operation, the attackers struck again around 10:30 p.m., abducting three more people—raising the number of victims to six in a single, blood-chilling day.
The Issele-Azagba community, already grappling with a string of similar attacks, has been left reeling. Less than three weeks ago, a farming couple was kidnapped on their way to the farm, with the assailants allegedly collecting a ₦6 million ransom. According to residents, the woman was later abducted again after the man was released.
“These abductions have become too frequent and unbearable. It’s as if we’re on our own,” a community source lamented. “Stakeholders have failed us. If nothing is done, the youth must rise and protect our land.”
Speaking under anonymity, a local vigilante described to SaharaReporters how the Sunday abductions unfolded. Around 3:30 p.m., a couple who had brought workers to their construction site were suddenly ambushed by armed herders emerging from the surrounding bush.
“The wife, who speaks Hausa, managed to escape and raise the alarm, but the husband and the workers were taken. We mobilized immediately—youths, anti-cult members, and all security arms. Deep in the bush, we found a large herd of cattle forming a protective ring around the kidnappers and their captives. It was a calculated move—they used the cows as shields,” he narrated.
Despite their efforts, the kidnappers evaded capture. Later that night, the same armed group struck again, abducting three more unsuspecting residents. As of press time, the vigilante teams were still combing the forests in pursuit.
In response to the brazen abduction of Mrs. Nzei, Rev. Fr. Okeke, the parish priest of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, declared Monday a day of prayer and spiritual warfare. In a heartfelt message circulated via the parish WhatsApp platform, he called on parishioners—especially mothers—to intercede through the Blessed Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael.
“May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Our sister, Mrs. Juliana Nzei, was kidnapped while coming for Sunday Mass. The necessary things have been done as we await any leads on her condition. Please do not stop praying. Tomorrow’s morning mass will be dedicated to the Holy Spirit for her safe release,” the message read.
A fellow parishioner revealed disturbing developments to SaharaReporters—Mrs. Nzei’s bank account had been debited multiple times since her abduction. “She left her big phone at home, which means the kidnappers likely found her ATM card. We fear they are already extorting money through her account,” the source said.
According to the family, her sandals were found near the estate gate, and eyewitnesses reported seeing a suspicious vehicle at the junction around the time she disappeared.
Although the incident has been reported to the authorities, the police response has been underwhelming. Repeated efforts by SaharaReporters to get a comment from Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages to his phone went unanswered at the time of this report.
As fear grips Delta communities, the people are left clinging to hope—hope that their loved ones return home safely, hope that prayers are answered, and hope that the government will finally act before the next abduction occurs.
PIONEER NEWS 