Delta Central senator at the National Assembly, Chief Ede Dafinone, has described as unacceptable and barbaric the alleged abduction of children in some parts of Agbarho town in Delta State.
The alleged abductions have resulted in protests and grief by victims’ families, as well as prompting widespread fear among residents of the Delta Central Senatorial District in recent months.
Senator Dafinone, who represents the district at the National Assembly, has raised alarm over the trend, revealing that more than six children, aged between three and ten, have gone missing in recent months, with the crisis escalating sharply in June, when four children were reported abducted.
In a statement released on Thursday, Senator Dafinone described the situation as “deeply alarming,” and extended his condolences to affected families.
“Your pain is our collective burden. Every missing child is a future we cannot afford to lose, and I will not relent until they are found and safety is restored”, Dafinone said in his statement.
“While the community’s frustration is understandable, such acts of jungle justice only deepen the crisis and risk innocent lives,” Dafinone warned.
He called on the Delta State Police Command, Ughelli Area Command, and relevant federal security agencies to intensify efforts, enhance patrols, and collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to unearth any syndicates involved in ritual activities or child trafficking.
Highlighting the recent rescue of eight trafficked children in Delta State, the Senator said the success proved that “proactive measures can work” when law enforcement and community actors cooperate.
He also appealed to traditional leaders, especially the Ovie of Agbarho, and local stakeholders to bolster neighborhood watch efforts, promote parental vigilance, and strengthen school-community partnerships.
“Let us resist jungle justice and instead channel our anger into unity, vigilance, and cooperation with law enforcement,” he added.
As the search for the missing children continues, Senator Dafinone pledged to keep advocating for enhanced security measures and legislative frameworks to protect vulnerable communities within Delta Central.
“Together, we will overcome this menace and restore peace to Agbarho, Ughelli North, and our beloved Delta State,” he assured.
