The atmosphere in Abraka, a university town in Delta State, has grown increasingly tense as residents and students take to the streets in daily protests, calling attention to the alarming state of insecurity affecting their community.
The demonstrations began in the aftermath of a troubling incident on May 25, when a student of Delta State University (DELSU), Clinton Udomudo, and his brother were abducted while trying to deliver ransom money to secure someone’s release from kidnappers.
Community members, holding placards with bold messages like “No to kidnapping in Abraka” and “We are tired of the insecurity in Abraka,” expressed their anger and frustration at the seeming failure of law enforcement agencies to safeguard lives and property.
They accused the police of doing little to confront the wave of criminal activity that has left many residents living in constant fear.
The situation intensified on May 29, when DELSU students issued a firm ultimatum to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, demanding urgent intervention within 72 hours.
They warned that if their concerns were not addressed, they would escalate the protests to the state police headquarters and the Government House in Asaba, shutting down academic activities in the process.
Student leaders, including the President of the Student Union Government, Augustine Onovughegor, and the Secretary, Bassey Etim, addressed their grievances in a formal letter.
They called for a significant increase in security presence, especially in areas where students live in large numbers, as well as along key roads.
They also urged the state to establish a rapid-response security team focused specifically on protecting students and the wider community.
The student leaders demanded transparency from both the police and the government, asking for regular updates on the steps being taken to tackle the insecurity.
They made it clear that if their requests were not met within the timeframe given, they would mobilize students from all faculties and hostels to join the ongoing protests and take their agitation to the state capital.
Voicing their long-standing frustrations, both students and local residents described how the town had become a hotbed for violent crime, with cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and sexual violence reportedly on the rise.
Many said they felt abandoned by those in positions of authority and accused the government and security agencies of ignoring their repeated calls for help.
According to protesters, some student hostels have been raided, while others have lost classmates and neighbors to abductions.
Families continued to live in fear, and the emotional toll on the university community is growing heavier by the day.
Residents insisted that Abraka’s role as a center of learning and economic activity is being threatened by the unchecked violence, and they worry that more students may be forced to leave the area for their safety.
They added that government responses have so far lacked urgency and substance.
Despite numerous appeals from community leaders and civil society actors, the situation remains largely unchanged.
With the safety of lives now at stake, the people of Abraka are demanding that authorities treat the matter as a priority before it escalates further.
As the deadline issued by the students approaches, anxiety is building over what the next phase of protests may look like.
Student leaders have vowed to press on with their movement until the government demonstrates a real commitment to restoring peace in the town, making it clear that they are no longer willing to accept promises without action.