Abraka Metro
The Rising Wave Of Crime And Its Effect On Residents Of Abraka
By Clementina Clement
Abraka, a university town in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, is home to Delta State University (DELSU). For many years, the town was known as a peaceful place where students and residents lived without much fear.
However, this situation has changed in recent times as criminal activities have become more common.
This report looks at the rise in crime in Abraka, its possible causes, and how it affects the people living in the town.
Some of the most common crimes reported in Abraka are phone snatching, burglary, cult-related violence, and harassment.
These incidents are mostly reported in student-populated areas such as Ekrejeta, Oria, and Winners Road.
They usually happen in the evening or at night when many streets are dark and there are fewer people around.
Students appear to be the group most affected by the increase in crime.
Many no longer attend night classes or move about after dark because they fear being attacked.
Female students, in particular, say they feel unsafe when walking alone at night.
Business owners have also been affected, as fewer customers go out in the evening, leading to a drop in sales.
Several reasons may be responsible for the increase in crime.
One of them is unemployment.
Many young people in the surrounding communities do not have jobs or useful skills, making some of them more likely to become involved in criminal activities.
Cultism is another major concern, as clashes between rival cult groups have created fear among both students and residents.
Poor infrastructure has also made the situation worse.
Many roads do not have functioning street lights, making it easier for criminals to operate at night.
The effects of crime go beyond the loss of property.
Many students now live in fear and worry about their safety.
Some say they experience stress, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
Women are especially affected because fear of attacks has limited their movement, and in some cases, prevented them from seeking healthcare services, including antenatal care.
Local businesses have also suffered because fewer people stay out late, and many food vendors now close earlier than they used to.
Despite these challenges, residents are making efforts to improve their safety.
Some students have created WhatsApp groups where they share information and warn one another about security threats.
Many residents are also calling on the government and community leaders to improve street lighting, repair bad roads, strengthen security, introduce youth empowerment programmes, and support community security initiatives.
The increase in crime in Abraka is more than a security problem.
It affects education, business activities, mental well-being, and the general development of the town.
Unless the causes of crime, such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, and inadequate security, are properly addressed, the situation may continue to get worse.
Residents hope that with the right actions from the government, security agencies, and the community, Abraka will once again become a peaceful and safe place for learning, living, and doing business.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Victor Peretomode, has proposed a tripartite governance model to sustain excellence in the institution.
Peretomode proposed the model at DELSU’s 12th valedictory lecture held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the university’s 750 Lecture Theatre, Site III.
The lecture was titled, “DELSU and the Burden of Expectation: The Challenges of Being Delta State’s Premier University and Rethinking Governance for Sustainable Excellence.”
He said as the state’s premier university, DELSU carries triple burdens — aspirational, political and operational — which translate into expectations such as expanding access to university education for Deltans, accommodating qualified indigenes, advancing state-specific development priorities and producing morally sound and employable graduates.
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Peretomode, a Professor of Educational Administration and Higher Education, said the challenges could be addressed through his proposed “Peretomode Tripartite Model of Governance for Sustainable Excellence,” anchored on three pillars: Leadership Integrity, Funding Predictability and Quality Assurance.
He observed that DELSU has come far, but its journey is far from complete, adding that the burden of expectation it carries is not a weight to be feared, but a responsibility to be fulfilled.
In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Visitor to the university, described Peretomode as an academic who contributed immensely to the development of university education in the state.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the state would still need Peretomode’s wealth of experience as he bows out of service and assured of continued support for DELSU.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lauded Peretomode’s achievements as former VC, noting that his policies, though considered harsh at the time, have placed the university in its present enviable state.
Asagba wished the valedictory lecturer the best in his future endeavours.
Highlights of the event included the launch of two books authored by the valedictory lecturer and a musical rendition by the Department of Music.
Peretomode joined DELSU in 1992 as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management and Foundations, became a Professor in 1996 and served as its 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor from 2014 to 2019.
The lecture was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Eric Eboh, Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, DELSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Hilary Owamah, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Douglasson Omotor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Patrick Ijeh, Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Augustine Atonuje, DELSU Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, DELSU Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, DELSU Librarian, Dr Josephine Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.
Also in attendance were the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Marine Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof. Emmanuel Okoro, Delta business tycoon, Chief Tunde Smooth, Executive Director of Project, DESOPADEC, Chief (Dr) Ebenezer Okorodudu, former DELSU Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Dennis Osadebey University Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Robert Ikomi, members of DELSU College of Chaplains, friends and family members of the valedictory lecturer, including his wife, Dr (Mrs) Otaroghene Peretomode.
The release comes barely 24 hours after the state-owned institution released its first batch of admission for the incoming session.
By Ese Umukoro
The serene community of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was thrown into mourning on Friday, 28th August, 2026, as the remains of Late Prof. Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, popularly known as, Don Spino, was committed to mother earth.
Speaking during the commendation service at Atscan Hall, Site II of the University, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lamented that he received the sad news of the demise of the deceased on 8th of May, 2026 as a rude shock.
Asagba recalled the personal memories he shared with Akarah as a friend, eulogising his forthrightness, outspokenness and doggedness.
He stated that Don Spino contributed his quota to the growth of the University in different capacities since he was employed into the services of DELSU, adding that his legacy would not be forgotten in the history of DELSU because of his impact on both staff and students.
The Vice Chancellor thereafter led the University community to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
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In his commendation earlier, the Head of Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, Prof. Ochuko Nabofa, eulogised Don Spino, calling him a colleague, a friend, a scholarly collaborator and ultimately an in-law.
Nabofa recollected how himself and the late Don Spino shared ideas, challenged each other intellectually and worked together in the pursuit of knowledge.
Nabofa concluded that Don Spino’s death has left a void in the Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, in DELSU and in the lives of those who knew him.
He said the bond was further strengthened when in February this year, Don Spino’s cousin, Hon. (Double Chief) Godday Ewenuvie, got married to his younger sister whom he raised as a daughter, thus making them in-laws.
In her oration, the Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Florence Ugorji, said Don Spino was a man of the people whose life impacted positively on all who came across him.
Represented by Prof. Canice Ikeorji, the Dean further lamented that the deceased was an asset to the faculty and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-DELSU), Comrade Paul Opone, bemoaned the loss of Don Spino.
In his tributes, Opone recalled the contributions of Don Spino during congresses and how he fought for the Union during its period of crisis.
The union Chairman stated that the passing of Don Spino was a challenge to him and the Union as it would be difficult to get his replacement.
Opone thereafter led members of the Union in singing the solidarity song for a fallen comrade.
The commendation service also witnessed the filing past the casket of Don Spino led by the Vice Chancellor before the remains of Don Spino were taken to Uruekpo Quarters in Evwreni kingdom for interment.
Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah joined the services of DELSU in 1995 as Graduate Assistant and rose to the rank of Professor in 2021.
Earlier, a Service of Songs in his honour was held at the DELSU’s Sports Complex on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026.
Dignitaries present at the commendation service included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okoro, the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor, Director of Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations, Prof. Enajite Ojaruega, Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Eseka, family members of the deceased, Professors, staff, students, and others from within and outside the university community.
Those present during the funeral at Evwreni kingdom included the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, immediate past Provost of Oleh campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere, Directors including the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES), Prof. Onoriode Emoyan, Deans of Faculties including the Dean of Arts Faculty, Prof. Nelson Edewor, Heads of Departments, politicians, business moguls, friends, family members of Don Spino and other mourners.
By God’stime Oyeh
An accident involving a GLK 350 and a commercial motorcyclist happened around 11:30 a.m., reportedly after a case of wrong-lane driving.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorcyclist, popularly known as an “Aboki” bikeman, was coming from the Campus 2 area when he was allegedly hit by the GLK 350 car.
The little damage to the car caused some tension at the scene as both parties tried to explain what happened.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcyclist seemed to be at a disadvantage during the confrontation with the car driver- who was clearly trying to oppress the motorcyclist which led vigilantes and other bystanders to step in and calm things down before it got out of hand.
Things reportedly got more heated when some area boys arrived and tried to help settle the issue. The GLK 350 driver defended himself and shared his version of events, but some witnesses felt his explanation didn’t quite match what they saw happen.
As arguments continued and tempers rose,and with the car driver still wanting to oppress the motorcyclist, the Vigilantes took it upon themselves to caution him since he wasn’t trying to make peace…the matter was eventually taken to the police station for proper investigation and resolution.
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