Pandemonium broke out in Agbarho community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, as scores of enraged women staged a massive protest over the mysterious disappearance of no fewer than 26 children, sparking fresh fears and outrage among residents.
The demonstrators, clad in black garments symbolizing mourning and despair, stormed major roads in the community on Friday, wailing, chanting sorrowful songs, and wielding placards with bold inscriptions such as “Stop Stealing Our Children,” “Where Are Our Kids?” and “We Want Justice.”
The protest comes amid growing tension following the alleged abduction of children aged between three and 10 years, who have reportedly vanished under unclear circumstances over the past eight months.
Despite several petitions and complaints lodged with law enforcement agencies and local authorities, families say they are yet to receive any meaningful response or updates—leaving them in a state of confusion and fear.
A mother of one of the missing children, Mrs. Efe Okoro, told PLATFORM TIMES that life in Agbarho has become unbearable for parents as the whereabouts of their children remain unknown.
“We are living in fear every day. Children go to school and never return. Some disappear while playing just in front of their homes. Nobody is safe anymore. We are tired of waiting,” she lamented.
Another visibly distraught protester, Mrs. Itohan Orugbo, accused the government of selective response and neglect.
“If our children were the children of senators or top politicians, would they still be missing?” she asked. “The silence from the authorities is criminal. We will not keep quiet while our children are being taken one after the other.”
The outcry has drawn the attention of the traditional ruler of the community, the Ovie of Agbarho Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Ogurimerime Okorefe I, who condemned the spate of child disappearances in strong terms.
In a statement, the monarch described the incidents as “a declaration of war against the people of Agbarho,” warning that the inaction of security agencies could provoke a breakdown of law and order.
“This is an attack on the very soul of our community,” the monarch said. “Security agencies must act swiftly or risk a revolt by a people pushed to the wall. We will no longer tolerate this level of insecurity.”
He further urged local vigilantes to intensify surveillance and patrols in all quarters of the kingdom while advising parents to keep close watch over their wards.
Residents of the community are now calling on the Delta State Government, the Nigeria Police, and other security stakeholders to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter and rescue the missing children.
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