The Oghara Study Group (OSG) has intensified efforts to tackle the rising wave of kidnapping, violent crime and insecurity in Oghara Kingdom through a strategic engagement with the leadership of the Oghara Youth Association (OYA).
The meeting, held on Sunday, brought together the Co-Conveners of the Oghara Study Group, Rev. David Ugolor and Prof. Charles Ehweree, and the OYA leadership as part of a sustained campaign to mobilise community stakeholders towards restoring peace and security across the Kingdom.
The engagement forms part of OSG’s ongoing awareness campaign ahead of the proposed Oghara Town Hall Meeting scheduled for August 15, 2026. The meeting is being organised in collaboration with the Ovie of Oghara, the Council of Chiefs, youth and women’s groups, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders.
The planned town hall follows growing concerns over persistent cases of kidnapping, killings and other violent crimes in communities including Oghareki, Ogharefe, Otefe Village, Ijomi Village, Ovade Junction and along the Otefe–Ovade Road. The incidents have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods, private investments and the overall socio-economic development of Oghara Kingdom.
Speaking during the engagement, Rev. David Ugolor reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to youth development, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective action and collaboration among all stakeholders.
He briefed the youth leadership on the Oghara Study Group’s advocacy initiatives, including its national media campaign aimed at drawing attention to the devastating social and economic consequences of kidnapping and ransom payments on the Kingdom.
Also speaking, Prof. Charles Ehweree urged young people to take greater responsibility for safeguarding their communities, assuring them of the OSG’s commitment to working closely with the Oghara Youth Association to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality while promoting sustainable development.
As part of its support for youth development, the Oghara Study Group donated a television set, generator and GOtv decoder to the OYA Secretariat. According to the group, the donation is intended to provide access to news, educational programmes and sports while creating a more vibrant youth centre that encourages positive engagement among young people.
Responding, President of the Oghara Youth Association, Omomedia Monday Jamo, commended the Oghara Study Group for its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the Kingdom.
He pledged the Association’s full support for initiatives aimed at combating insecurity, protecting private sector investments and mobilising young people against criminal activities.
Jamo also expressed concern over the growing incidence of drug abuse and drug-related violence in Oghara, describing the trend as alarming and calling for urgent intervention by families, community leaders, government agencies and the youth.
He assured that the Association would continue to play an active role in tackling crime and restoring Oghara’s reputation as a peaceful, secure and prosperous Kingdom.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the OYA leadership formally received the donated items and, in accordance with tradition, presented kola nuts and a cash gift to the OSG delegation led by Rev. David Ugolor and Prof. Charles Ehweree as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both organisations to strengthen community collaboration in reclaiming Oghara from criminal elements and fostering lasting peace, security and sustainable development.
