Residents of Abraka, a university town in Delta State, have launched daily mass protests in response to a surge in violent crime and insecurity that has left the community on edge.
The protests began following the abduction of Clinton Udomudo, a student of Delta State University (DELSU), and his brother on May 25.
The pair were reportedly kidnapped while attempting to deliver ransom money to secure another victim’s release.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets with placards reading, “No to kidnapping in Abraka,” “We are tired of the insecurity,” “Police should come to our rescue,” and “Delta State government must protect its citizens—it is our right.”
Protesters have voiced deep frustration over what they describe as the police’s inaction in the face of growing criminal activity.
The situation intensified on May 29 when students of DELSU issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, demanding urgent and concrete action to address the deteriorating security situation.
They threatened to escalate their protests to the State Police Headquarters and the Government House in Asaba if their demands are not met.
In a formal letter signed by Students’ Union Government (SUG) President Augustine Onovughegor and Secretary Bassey Etim, the students called for:
Immediate deployment of additional, properly trained security personnel in student-populated areas and along key routes;
The creation of a permanent rapid-response task force dedicated to protecting students and the broader community;
Transparent, timely updates from security agencies on the steps being taken to restore safety, including a clear long-term plan.
The letter warned that failure to act within the set deadline would lead to a shutdown of university activities and a full-scale mobilization of students across faculties and hostels for mass protests in Asaba.
“For too long, both students and residents have suffered at the hands of kidnappers, violent criminals, and rapists,” the students said.
“Dormitories are raided, students abducted, and families left devastated, while authorities offer nothing but empty promises.”
They further expressed anger at what they perceive as official neglect:
“Despite repeated pleas from the community, there has been no visible or lasting solution.
It is unacceptable that students—who are central to the town’s economy and life—now fear for their safety daily.”
“Our campus and town, once places of learning and opportunity, have become zones of fear, trauma, and violence.
If action is not taken within 72 hours, we will lead the largest student-led protest Abraka and Delta State have ever witnessed.”