By Barr. Evans Ufeli
Dear Friends, Community Members, and Fellow Nigerians,
I come before you today, burdened with a deep sorrow that has shackled our hearts and souls for far too long. It is a sorrow that has transformed our vibrant village into a shadow of its former self, as we bear the heavy weight of injustice and pain. Since May 2022, fifteen of our dear kinsmen have been torn from our midst, abducted under the most harrowing circumstances, not by bandits or external foes, but by those sworn to protect us—the Nigerian police. This heart-wrenching truth is one that I have echoed tirelessly, a lone voice amid the deafening silence of many.
These courageous individuals, our brothers, fathers, and sons, were unjustly taken from our village of Etua Etiti and Etua Oliogo in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State. They have been held captive for years, their lives unsettled, their futures uncertain, while we as a community are left to grapple with our grief and rage. It has been a brutal test of our strength, and as we stand before this monumental injustice, we cannot remain silent.
Our legal champions, Barr. Esume Felix and Barr. Sunday Nzete, have bravely fought against the oppressive machinery of injustice in the courts, winning each battle against the police. Yet, here we are, with the case now resting in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court while our brothers remain in chains. The weight of helplessness drags us down, as the Delta State Government, in its indifference, has turned a blind eye to our suffering. The silence from those who should be advocating for us is deafening.
Let us not forget: indigenes of our own community have occupied positions of power and influence, yet they too have chosen silence over action, apathy over advocacy. It is a disgraceful reality that those who were once heralded as our representatives have abandoned us at our most desperate time. How can one occupy a seat of leadership, basking in the benefits of privilege, yet remain paralyzed in the face of such egregious suffering? It is an indictment against the spirit of democracy and an affront to our humanity.
We did not choose this suffering. Our only crime was to support you, to believe in your promises, and to entrust our lives and aspirations to your leadership. And yet, the moment you secured your victory, our plight was swept aside. No longer were we the priority; no longer did our voices resonate within the corridors of power. In your quest for self-preservation, you have forsaken us. Etua has lost her glory and dignity; the essence of our community has been stolen, relegated to mere casualties in your pursuit of office and influence.
To be docile in the face of injustice is not an option for us. We refuse to accept this new reality of creative suffering that you have thrust upon us. I have no respect for those who remain inactive while we languish in despair. To occupy a position of authority is a privilege accompanied by responsibility—a responsibility to the people who entrusted you with their hopes and dreams.
It is time to hold you accountable for your inaction. It is time to demand the restoration of our stolen kinsmen. It is time for the Delta State Government to find its conscience and recognize the humanity of the individuals who depend on it for protection and justice. We are not merely statistics or political pawns. We are a community that deserves to live without fear, that deserves to walk free, to sing and dance in our streets without the shadow of abduction looming over us.
If you have the courage to lead, then rise up and join the call for justice. Stand with us not just in word, but in action. Show us that our cries have not fallen on deaf ears, that our suffering has not gone unnoticed. Let us reclaim our community spirit, our pride, and our hope.
Together, let us strive for the restoration of our fifteen kinsmen and work to ensure that no other community falls victim to such injustice again. The time for silence has passed. The time for action is now.
In solidarity and resolve,
(Evans Ufeli Esq)
Etua Community Advocate
