By John Okomideghe

Religious leaders in Abraka have called on students to take their education seriously, warning them against distractions that could affect their academic performance and future ambitions.

The call was made during a youth programme at a church in Abraka, where students were advised to make education a priority and develop habits that would help them succeed academically.

Speaking with our correspondent after the programme, Pastor Daniel Okoro, a youth coordinator, said students needed proper guidance because many young people were faced with different distractions, including excessive use of social media, peer pressure and poor time management.

“Education is something every young person should take seriously.

“As religious leaders, we try to remind our youths that what they do today can affect their future.

“They should learn to manage their time and give enough attention to their studies,” he said.

According to him, religious leaders do not only have the responsibility of teaching religious values but also of guiding young people in making responsible decisions.

He explained that during youth meetings, students are often encouraged to set academic goals, attend lectures regularly, complete their assignments and avoid activities that could negatively affect their studies.

A student of Delta State University, Abraka, who identified herself as Esther, said the advice she receives from religious leaders has helped her understand the importance of balancing her religious activities with her academic responsibilities.

“Sometimes, when we are distracted or tired of studying, the advice from our leaders reminds us why we started.

“They encourage us to work hard and not allow temporary problems to make us give up on our education,” she said.

Another student, Emmanuel, said religious leaders also encourage students to seek help when they experience academic difficulties instead of keeping their problems to themselves.

The influence of religious leaders on students is also noticed by some residents of Abraka.

Mrs. Grace Okiemute, a resident of the community, said religious institutions could contribute positively to the development of young people by providing them with proper guidance.

“Young people need people who can guide them.

“When religious leaders encourage students to stay focused and make good decisions, it can have a positive effect on the community,” she said.

Apart from regular sermons and youth meetings, some religious organisations in the area organise programmes where students are encouraged to discuss their academic challenges.

These programmes may include mentorship sessions, career talks and discussions on discipline and responsible behaviour.

Pastor Okoro further advised parents and guardians not to leave the responsibility of educating their children entirely to schools and religious organisations.

He urged parents to communicate regularly with their children and pay attention to their academic progress.

He also encouraged students to understand that academic success requires consistency rather than last-minute preparation.

“Students should not wait until examinations are close before they begin to study.

“Small efforts made consistently can make a big difference,” he added.

While religious leaders can provide motivation and guidance, students also have a personal responsibility to make use of the opportunities available to them.

Teachers, parents and community members all have roles to play in helping young people remain focused on their education.

For many students in Abraka, where academic activities form an important part of community life, the encouragement from religious leaders serves as an additional source of motivation.

Their message remains simple: students should remain disciplined, avoid unnecessary distractions and work toward building a better future through education.

By Ifeoma Agetu

Panic gripped the student community of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Tuesday afternoon as a sudden fire outbreak ripped through a cluster of commercial kiosks right outside the busy Site 1 ‘Small Gate’ entrance.

The incident, which began at approximately 1:15 PM during peak lecture hours, completely destroyed at least four makeshift shops where students routinely purchase snacks, stationery, and laundry services.

According to eyewitness accounts, the fire was triggered by a power surge from a nearby electricity pole immediately after the public power supply was restored.

Within minutes, thick black smoke billowed into the air, visible from the campus main library and surrounding lecture theatres, sending hundreds of students and local commercial motorcycle riders scrambling to create distance from the scene.

“I was just inside the campus archway heading towards the mass communication department when I heard people screaming ‘Fire! Fire!’ from the Small Gate,” recalled Oghenetega, a 200-level Economics student who witnessed the initial chaos.

“By the time I rushed closer, the entire roof of the photocopying shop was completely covered in flames.

“The breeze was very strong, so it carried the fire to the next kiosk in seconds.

“Everyone just started running because nobody knew if there was a cooking gas cylinder inside those shops that could explode.”

As the fire raged, student volunteers and local traders bravely mobilized a makeshift emergency response, using buckets of water and detergent mixed with sand from nearby construction sites to suppress the flames before they could reach the main university perimeter wall.

The absence of a dedicated emergency firefighting unit stationed on or near the Abraka campus became glaringly obvious during the hour-long struggle, as victims stood by helplessly watching their livelihoods turn to ashes.

The Small Gate serves as one of the primary foot-traffic arteries for undergraduates living in off-campus private hostels, making the lunchtime disaster highly disruptive.

While campus security personnel quickly cordoned off the area to prevent looting and maintain order, the emotional toll on the affected shop owners was heavy.

“Everything I use to feed my children is gone,” lamented a popular vendor known affectionately as Mama Blessing, who operated a retail provisions shop at the spot.

“The deep freezer, the drinks, the snacks I just bought yesterday—all gone.

“If not for the brave students who poured sand, the fire would have crossed the gutter into the residential houses opposite the gate.”

By Olatutu Ogbaro

The Delta State Police Command has impounded 21 vehicles in Abraka in a crackdown on documentation offences and suspected proceeds of crime following an intelligence-led raid.

The operation, carried out on Tuesday, 21st July 2026 at about 1500 hours, was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations.

The vehicles include a silver Mercedes-Benz, a black Chevrolet Camaro, a Toyota Camry, a Lexus SUV, and a blue tricycle with number plate “26 433.” Other private cars were also among those seized.

The Commissioner of Police, C.P Yemi Oyeniyi said the operation targeted vehicles with incomplete documents, unregistered cars, and those suspected to be linked to cybercrime.

Officers also checked for illegal tint and other traffic offences.

Abraka is home to Delta State University. The town has seen more police patrols in 2026 due to high student and business activity and growing concerns over crime.

The Delta Command said it will continue intelligence-led patrols on campuses, in markets, and on major roads to improve security and enforce traffic laws.

Mr Stanley,a commercial driver in Abraka,said:
“The police are just doing their job, but we need clearer information on how to collect our vehicles.”

As of press time,Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, has not released details on arrests or the procedure for vehicle recovery.

Residents have been advised to ensure they have valid vehicle papers, insurance, and tint permits to avoid being affected in future operations.