Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State.

With recent increasing cases of kidnap, especially that of Priests and the elderly, is seriously becoming a great source of concern, which the State Government and relevant Security Authorities urgently needs to step up to address.

Just today, we received news of the death of a Priest, one Rev. Fr. Louis Odudu, who was recently kidnapped and released just last Sunday (16/09/18). You would also recall that we brought to your attention and relevant Security Authorities, of the kidnap of Rev. Fr. Chris Ogaga, who was confirmed kidnapped on the night of Sunday (02/09/18), and his kidnappers were asking for N15m. This particular Priest was said to have been kidnapped on his way from his parish in Aghalokpe to Mother of the Redeemer, Effurun, where he was supposed to conduct Mass. And with the recent kidnap case, that means within a space of three weeks, two Priests have been kidnapped with one losing his life after being released. This is the only two cases reported and made known, but we believe there are other cases of kidnap in the State that are never reported or made known to the public.

The fact is that there is urgent need for relevant Security Operatives to tighten their belt to address this increasing cases of kidnap in Delta State. The kidnapping cases in the State is getting out of hand. Such kidnap cases is a dent on the image of Delta State. Prompt steps should be taken to address the situation.

Zik Gbemre, JP.

National Coordinator

Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NDPC