Residents of Diffri Road and NDDC Road in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, have raised alarm over worsening insecurity in their community, accusing the government of neglect while kidnappers wreak havoc.

In an open letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Sapele Local Government authorities, and security agencies, the residents lamented that they have lived in fear for more than three years, as kidnappers operate almost daily without resistance.

According to them, countless lives have been lost, while families who spent years building their homes have abandoned them out of fear.

“It is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives and properties of its citizens, but the Sapele Local Government, Delta State Government, and Nigerian Government have failed woefully in protecting us,” the letter read.

They alleged that despite several reports and appeals, no meaningful security intervention has been made, leaving the community at the mercy of criminal gangs.

“So many lives have been cut short because of kidnappers. People built houses but can’t live in them simply because of fear,” the residents said.

The letter, signed by concerned residents, was also copied to key stakeholders, including Delta police spokesperson Bright Edafe and social commentator Real Sapele Amebo.

The residents demanded urgent deployment of the army and other security forces to the area to curb the menace, warning that they may stage a peaceful protest at the Sapele Local Government Secretariat if nothing is done.