By Sunday Apah

The police in Delta State have arrested a notorious kidnapper, one of his gang members, and three cultists belonging to the Eiye confraternity in different locations across the state.

The police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, ammunition, cartridges, and cultist regalia from the suspected kidnappers and cultists.

In a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, it was stated that the arrest was the result of credible intelligence regarding the activities of some suspected kidnappers in Ogwashi-Uku, Ubuluku, and Isseluku.

He added that on July 27, 2025, at about 1:20 a.m., operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, in a combined effort with operatives from the command’s X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol Teams, stormed a suspected criminal hideout along the Ibusa Road.

“They effected the arrest of a notorious suspected kidnapper known as Chiadiji Collins, also known as ‘Smooth,’ a 42-year-old man who has been on the command’s watchlist for a series of kidnapping activities within the Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku and Asaba axes.

“Upon interrogation, he led operatives to his residence in the Ewulu community of Aniocha South LGA, Delta State, where a search warrant was executed, resulting in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and forty (40) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

“Preliminary investigations also led to the arrest of one Ezechie Andrew from the same community, in whose possession two pump-action guns and two live cartridges were recovered.

“Both suspects are gang members suspected of being involved in a series of kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku, Isseluku, and other parts of Delta State. They are currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

Also, on July 30, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), while acting on credible information, stormed a criminal hideout at Big Gate, Campus III, Abraka, where one Benjamin Okwufulueze, 21 years old; Augustine Ifeanyi, 22 years old; and Iruma Japheth, 27 years old, were arrested.

They recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol and four live rounds of ammunition.

“Also recovered were a black cap with Eiye inscriptions and a battle axe. The suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity. They are all now in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.”

By Sunday Apah

Two well-known detainees of Okuama in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Professor Arthur Ekpekpo and Hon. Belvis Adogbo, have tragically lost their children, Lauretta Ekpekpo and Oghenevwegba Belvis Adogbo, under painful circumstances.

Both children passed away while their fathers have been held in military detention in Port Harcourt for nearly a year without trial, following the events surrounding a military incident in Okuama.

This tragic news was shared in a social media post on Saturday by a Facebook user and an online news outlet.

The Ekpekpo family experienced a devastating blow with the untimely death of their gifted daughter, Lauretta.

While the specific cause of her passing is still unknown, many speculate that it may be linked to the emotional strain resulting from her father’s prolonged and controversial imprisonment.

Grieving sympathizers voice troubling questions, lamenting what could have been prevented.

Lauretta was a vibrant young woman brimming with potential, and her sudden demise leaves a profound emptiness, underscoring the tragic implications of systemic injustice faced by families in similar situations.

While death is a natural part of life, it is heart-wrenching to contemplate how events might have unfolded differently had Professor Ekpekpo been able to care for his daughter.

A father’s presence and support could have made a significant impact during this critical time.

In another heart-wrenching incident, two-year-old Oghenevwegba Belvis Adogbo, the son of Hon. Belvis Adogbo, also passed away from an unknown illness in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The young boy’s death is believed to have been exacerbated by the absence of his father, who would have provided the necessary care and support.

At just one year and five months old, Oghenevwegba was left without his father after Adogbo was arrested in August 2024.

He was detained alongside Professor Ekpekpo and several others in connection with the deaths of 17 military officers near Okuama.

A family member noted, “Master Vwegba became ill and, unfortunately, did not survive long enough to receive medical attention. The burden this has placed on our family is immense.”

They further expressed, “Vwegba might have had a fighting chance if Chief Belvis Adogbo, the family’s primary provider, had been there to seek proper medical care.”

The ongoing detention of Chief Adogbo and other community leaders has severe repercussions for families and the Okuama community as a whole.

A family spokesperson has called on UPU, Urhobos in authority, to intervene and persuade the Nigerian Army to release the detained fathers and mothers, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and compassion in this trying time.