Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has raised alarm over a surge in child abductions in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, where more than six children have gone missing in recent months.
The senator, in a statement issued on Thursday, said most of the victims were between the ages of three and ten, describing the trend as “deeply disturbing” and a source of growing fear within the community.
He recalled that the crisis escalated in June when four children were reported missing, prompting protests by aggrieved women on September 16. Tensions further heightened on September 24 after a mob lynched a woman accused of attempted kidnapping.
While empathising with grieving families, Dafinone condemned the resort to jungle justice, warning that it could endanger innocent lives.
“To the grieving families, I extend my heartfelt condolences and solidarity. Your pain is our collective burden, and I pledge to continue pressing for answers and justice at the highest levels of government,” he said, adding “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 called on the Delta State Police Command, Ughelli Area Command, and relevant federal agencies to intensify investigations, strengthen patrols, and collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to dismantle any networks behind the abductions.
Citing the recent rescue of eight trafficked children in Delta, he urged community leaders under the guidance of the Ovie of Agbarho to maintain vigilance through neighbourhood watches, parental awareness campaigns, and school partnerships.
The senator also pledged to push for stronger security interventions and legislative safeguards for children in the district.
“Let us resist jungle justice and instead channel our anger into unity, vigilance, and cooperation with law enforcement. Together, we will overcome this menace and restore peace to Agbarho, Ughelli North, and our beloved Delta State,” he added.
