Stray bullet k!lls woman as gunmen kidnap poly student in Delta
In the early evening hours of February 5, 2025, a violent incident unfolded in Ogwashi-Uku, located in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State. A female student, Doris Jonathan Oke, was abducted by gunmen after a failed kidnapping attempt targeting a male individual. The abduction was accompanied by the tragic loss of life when a stray bullet from the exchange of gunfire killed a woman and injured another man.
According to reports from community sources and eyewitness accounts, the incident began when a group of about five armed men blocked the vehicle of a man driving along the polytechnic road near Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. The gunmen, who had targeted the male driver, began firing indiscriminately at the vehicle. The man, sensing immediate danger, managed to escape by opening the door and fleeing into the nearby bush. Unfortunately, his companion, Doris Jonathan Oke, was unable to escape in time. The assailants then abducted her, taking her away in their vehicle.
The chaos and terror that followed the shooting left the residents of Ogwashi-Uku in panic. According to witnesses, it felt like a war zone as people scattered in all directions, seeking safety from the rampage. In the aftermath, it was revealed that the abductors had made a demand of N10 million in ransom for the safe release of the student. This ransom demand, coupled with the violence, paints a grim picture of the increasing insecurity in the region.
Amid the shooting, the stray bullet struck and k!lled a woman who was reportedly standing near her shop under the power line. Another individual, a man, was injured during the incident, with the bullet hitting him in the leg. The random violence and disregard for human life displayed by the gunmen have sparked further concern among residents, who are now living in heightened fear.
Local authorities have taken action in response to the attack. The Chairman of the Ogwashi-Uku vigilante group, Mr. Hery Chukwuka, confirmed the details of the incident, including the fact that the Lexus 330 vehicle involved in the shooting had been abandoned and parked at the Ogwashi-Uku police station. This development is critical, as it provides law enforcement with an important piece of evidence related to the crime. The police have also been attempting to contact the man who managed to escape, but his phone has been switched off, leaving investigators unable to gain further details from him.
The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, confirmed the occurrence of an attempted kidnapping and acknowledged that the man had escaped, leaving his car behind. However, Edafe could not confirm the abduction of the student, stating that the police were still investigating the matter. Despite this, the police have made efforts to locate the victim, and the recovery of the car is seen as a positive development in the investigation.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing issue of violent crime and abductions in Delta State, a region that has witnessed a surge in such criminal activities in recent months. Gunmen, often with the intent of kidnapping for ransom, have increasingly targeted individuals, especially students, as easy prey. The gunmen’s ability to carry out such attacks with seeming impunity has raised alarms about the capacity of law enforcement to provide adequate protection to residents.
In Delta State, as in many parts of Nigeria, insecurity has become a major concern for citizens. Reports of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes are becoming more frequent, with criminal groups exploiting the lack of effective policing and the general breakdown of law and order. In response, various local security groups, including vigilante groups, have been stepping up their efforts to protect communities, but their resources are limited, and they often operate without the full support of law enforcement agencies.
The abduction of Doris Jonathan Oke is not an isolated incident. In the past few years, Delta State has seen an increase in the number of reported kidnappings, with criminal gangs often targeting students and travelers. These criminals typically demand ransoms that can run into millions of naira, putting immense pressure on the victims’ families. The violence surrounding such kidnappings, including shootings and fatalities, further exacerbates the trauma experienced by victims and the broader community.
While some might argue that the security situation in Delta State is part of a larger trend of growing insecurity in Nigeria, others believe that the government must take more decisive steps to address the root causes of these criminal activities. Many experts point to factors such as poverty, unemployment, and the availability of weapons as contributing to the rise of violent crime in the region. Additionally, the proliferation of criminal gangs with well-organized networks and the inability of law enforcement to combat them effectively has allowed these groups to operate with relative ease.
The role of law enforcement in tackling this issue is critical. Although the police in Delta State have made efforts to investigate the kidnapping and recover the vehicle involved, many residents remain skeptical of their ability to bring the perpetrators to justice. The delayed response to the crime and the lack of swift action following similar incidents have fueled public distrust in the police and other security agencies. Moreover, there are concerns about corruption within the security forces, which may be contributing to their failure to adequately combat organized crime.
It is clear that the abduction of Doris Jonathan Oke and the death of the woman from the stray bullet are just the latest examples of the devastating consequences of the growing insecurity in Delta State. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is crucial for both local authorities and the federal government to take urgent action to address the underlying issues and provide better protection for the people of Delta State.
One important step in improving security in the region is the need for increased investment in law enforcement and the training of security personnel. This would ensure that the police and military are better equipped to handle the challenges posed by criminal gangs and kidnappers. Additionally, improving intelligence-gathering capabilities and coordinating efforts among various security agencies could help to prevent future abductions and reduce the frequency of violent crimes.
Another important aspect to address is the issue of poverty and unemployment, which often drives individuals to engage in criminal activities. By focusing on creating economic opportunities and providing skills training for young people in the region, it may be possible to reduce the appeal of criminal enterprises. Investing in education, infrastructure, and job creation could help to mitigate the root causes of insecurity and provide people with viable alternatives to engaging in illegal activities.
Community engagement is also essential in tackling the problem of insecurity. Local communities, alongside vigilante groups and civil society organizations, should be encouraged to work together with law enforcement to create safer environments. Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of kidnappings and the importance of reporting criminal activities can also help to deter potential criminals.
Finally, the government must ensure that those responsible for violent crimes such as kidnapping, extortion, and murder are brought to justice. Strengthening the legal system, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted and held accountable, and implementing stricter penalties for violent crime could serve as a deterrent to would-be criminals. Public confidence in the justice system must be restored to ensure that the people of Delta State feel protected and supported.
In conclusion, the kidnapping of Doris Jonathan Oke and the tragic death of the woman from the stray bullet underscore the pressing need for improved security measures in Delta State. The growing wave of violence and criminal activity, especially the rise of kidnappings for ransom, has left many residents living in fear. While law enforcement agencies have taken some steps to address the situation, more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of insecurity and to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people in the region. By addressing both the immediate security challenges and the long-term issues contributing to crime, it may be possible to restore peace and safety to Delta State.
EXCERPT
Stray bullet k!lls woman as gunmen kidnap poly student in Delta
Gunmen have kidnapped a female student identified as Doris Jonathan Oke, while a stray bullet k!lled a woman in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.It was gathered that the Higher National Diploma Mass Communication student at the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, was abducted when the gunmen failed to secure a male target who was with her.
The incident happened along the polytechnic road on Wednesday night, February 5, 2025.
A community source, who craved anonymity for safety reasons, told Punch that the gunmen blocked the vehicle and shot indiscriminately before abducting the student after their perceived target managed to escape.
“The man was driving along the polytechnic road when the group of about five men blocked his vehicle and started shooting. The man managed to open the door and ran into th
“But the girl at the driver’s side could not escape as the man did, and the hoodlums carried her away after raining bullets on the vehicle.
“It was like a war zone last night in Ogwashi-Uku and people were running, scaping for safety. As this afternoon, they made a demand of N10 million ransom.”
Another source, who carved anonymity over security concerns, disclosed that a stray bullet k!lled a woman and injured another man during the shooting.
“During the shooting, a stray bullet killed a woman who owns a shop under the power line and one man was also hit by a bullet in the leg before abducting the girl,” the source added.
The Chairman, Ogwashi-Uku vigilante group, Mr Hery Chukwuka who confirmed the abduction and k!lling, said that the Lexus 330 vehicle involved had already been parked at the Ogwahi-Uku station.
Spokesperson for the state police command, Bright Edafe said he couldn’t confirm the student’s abduction but there was an attempted kidnap.
“There was an attempted kidnapping and the man ran away and abandoned his car. We have recovered the car at the police station. We have been calling the number of the man but it’s switched off. If we see him, he will be able to explain what happened.”
Source: LIB
