By Watchmann

Delta Central lawmaker, Senator Ede Dafinone, has expressed deep concern over the wave of child abductions in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, describing the situation as “disturbing” and demanding urgent security action to restore calm.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Dafinone revealed that “more than six children—many between the ages of three and ten—have gone missing in recent months, leaving families devastated and the community in fear.”

The lawmaker noted that the crisis intensified in June with four reported disappearances, prompting protests by women on September 16. It further escalated on September 24 when a mob lynched a woman accused of attempted kidnapping. While acknowledging the community’s frustration, he cautioned against jungle justice, warning that “such acts only deepen the crisis and risk innocent lives.”

Senator Dafinone while consoling the family said: “I am deeply alarmed by the disturbing wave of child abductions in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, which falls within the Delta Central Senatorial District I represent. Reports show that in recent months, more than six children—many between the ages of three and ten—have gone missing, leaving families devastated and the community in fear.

“This crisis, which spiked in June with four disappearances, sparked protests by aggrieved women on September 16 and culminated tragically on September 24 when a mob lynched a woman accused of attempted kidnapping. While the community’s frustration is understandable, such acts of jungle justice only deepen the crisis and risk innocent lives.

“To the grieving families, I extend my heartfelt condolences and solidarity. Your pain is our collective burden, and I pledge to continue pressing for answers and justice at the highest levels of government. Every missing child is a future we cannot afford to lose, and I will not relent until they are found and safety is restored.”

The Senator tasked security agencies to intensify investigations, strengthen patrols, and work with NAPTIP to dismantle criminal networks, whether ritual or trafficking-related.

“I call on the Delta State Police Command, Ughelli Area Command, and relevant federal agencies to intensify investigations, strengthen patrols, and work closely with NAPTIP to dismantle any networks behind these abductions—whether ritual or trafficking-related. The recent rescue of eight trafficked children in Delta proves that proactive measures can work. I also urge community leaders, under the guidance of the Ovie of Agbarho, to sustain vigilance through neighbourhood watches, parental awareness, and partnerships with schools.”

Dafinone also appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to sustain vigilance through neighbourhood watches, parental awareness, and school partnerships, while discouraging mob action. Let us resist jungle justice and instead channel our anger into unity, vigilance, and cooperation with law enforcement. As your Senator, I remain committed to pursuing stronger security interventions and legislative safeguards for Delta Central. Together, we will overcome this menace and restore peace to Agbarho, Ughelli North, and our beloved Delta State.”

Reaffirming his commitment, Dafinone pledged to push for stronger security interventions and legislative safeguards. “Together, we will overcome this menace and restore peace to Agbarho, Ughelli North, and our beloved Delta State,” he added