******💔 HEARTBREAKING NEWS FROM OWAN NATION OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA 💔****

 

**FROM OWAN NATION OF EDO STATE**
💔 HEARTBREAKING NEWS FROM OWAN NATION OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA 💔

**A CALL FOR ACTION BEYOND GRIEF**

The Owan Nation in Edo State, Nigeria, usually known for its serene landscapes and vibrant cultural tapestry, endured a night of terror on January 27^th, 2024. Along the Afuze Road, between Uokha and Igue Saleh, a brutal kidnapping operation unfolded, leaving casualties among both the local vigilantes and the Nigerian Police Force. This wasn't a mere act of violence; it was a blow to the very heart of a peaceful community, a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing rural areas in the face of escalating criminal activity.

*BLOOD SPILLED ON AFUZE-OTUO ROAD:*Reports paint a chilling picture. The kidnappers, operating with chilling efficiency and armed with superior weaponry, targeted unsuspecting travelers on the lonely stretch between Uokha and Igue Saleh. Hearing the desperate cries, the brave vigilantes of the Owan Nation, their hearts fueled by a fierce commitment to protecting their land, rushed to the scene. It was a testament to their unwavering bond with their community.

However, the reality that awaited them was grim. Outmatched by the kidnappers' firepower, the combined force of vigilantes and police officers, despite displaying immense courage, were severely wounded. Officer Odiga, a son of Owan serving selflessly at the Igue Oke Police Station, was critically injured. Three courageous vigilantes from Igue Saleh, who dared to face the darkness head-on, were also struck down by bullets, their bodies wracked with pain.

*BEYOND THE WOUNDS: A SYSTEM IN CRISIS*News of the attack reverberated through the Owan Nation, bringing waves of grief and anger. Families, desperate for news of their loved ones, grappled with the harsh reality of the situation. But amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerged. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Local Government Chairman rushed to the scene, even joining in transporting the critically wounded to the nearest medical facility.

However, this glimmer quickly dissipated in the face of another, harsher reality – the Owan Nation, despite its rich cultural heritage and unwavering resilience, lacked a well-equipped medical facility. No standard hospital, let alone a teaching hospital, existed within or their borders. Time was of the essence, and with agonizing hearts, the critically wounded were transferred miles away to Auchi Specialist Hospital, leaving loved ones behind clinging to fragile threads of hope.

*A CALL TO ACTION: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE*The attack on Owan Nation wasn't an isolated incident; it was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities facing the growing menace of armed gangs. It was a chilling illustration of the consequences of inadequate security infrastructure and the desperate need for improved healthcare facilities in marginalized areas.

But beyond the grief and anger, the attack ignited a spark of defiance. The bravery of the vigilantes and police officers who faced down the darkness, despite being outmatched, is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Owan people. Their courage deserves not just our condolences but our action.

We, the collective voice of Owan Nation, must demand better security for vulnerable communities. We must advocate for:

*INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE AND IMPROVED RESOURCES:* Deploying additional police personnel in rural areas and ensuring they are adequately equipped with weaponry and proper training would significantly bolster their ability to combat armed gangs effectively.

*INVESTING IN HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE:*The lack of a standard hospital in Owan Nation highlights the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. Establishing well-equipped medical facilities with qualified personnel would prevent unnecessary loss of life.

*STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY POLICING:*Establishing closer collaboration between security forces and local communities, including vigilantes, can provide valuable intelligence and enhance proactive security measures.

*TOWARD A BRIGHTER FUTURE: HONORING THE FALLEN, PROTECTING THE LIVING*The Owan Nation may be shrouded in grief today, but their spirit remains unbroken. Their resilience, like the Owan River that carves its path through their land, cannot be dammed by fear. This attack may have carved deep wounds, but it will also fuel a stronger resolve, a call for justice, and a demand for a future where communities like Owan can live in peace and security.

The story of this night must not fade into the darkness. It must be a rallying cry, a reminder that the fight for safety and justice requires the unity of purpose, the unwavering voice of all Nigerians. Together, we must stand with the Owan Nation, not just today, but in the long fight for a brighter tomorrow.

By focusing on the broader issues of security infrastructure, healthcare disparities, and community resilience, we can honor the fallen, protect the living, and work towards a future where such tragedies become a distant memory.

Let's come together in prayer for the speedy recovery of the injured and support the families affected by this devastating incident. We will remain vigilant and determined to restore peace and security in our beautiful town.

#PrayForOwanNation
#SecurityMatters 
#SafetyFirst

Hon. Comrade Fred Enaikhe Aleburu
President
Owan General Assembly of Nigeria- OGAN