Abraka Metro

Banditry, Insecurity Drive Food Prices Beyond Reach as DELSU Students, Traders Seek Government Action

Published

3 months ago

July 10, 2026

By Elijah Ofovwe God’scarring Tejiri

Students of Delta State University (DELSU) and traders at the Abraka Small Market, are appealing to the federal and state governments to tackle rising insecurity and banditry, blaming the crisis for the sharp increase in food prices that has made basic food items unaffordable.

The appeal follows the continued rise in the prices of farm produce, which residents say is linked to insecurity in major food producing communities across the country, farmers are reportedly abandoning their farms due to attacks by armed bandits, resulting in reduced food production and shortages in local markets.

Interviews conducted on with students and traders in Abraka revealed growing concern over the rising cost of living and worsening food insecurity.

A 200 level Science Laboratory Technology student, Awerosuoghene Destiny Akomakowe, described the current food prices as shocking “I went to the market yesterday to buy tomatoes, and the seller told me that five tomatoes cost ₦1,000, I counted them three times because I thought I had heard wrongly, how can students survive when the money sent by their parents no longer meets their basic needs? , The insecurity affecting farming communities is hurting us here in Abraka,” she said.

A 300 level Political Science student, Miss Favour Oghenerukewe, also said the increase in food prices has forced many students to reduce the number of meals they eat daily, “I used to prepare a pot of soup for less than ₦2,000, and it lasted about four days, now, I cannot cook the same soup for less than ₦5,000, the prices of tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, and crayfish have all increased, many students now eat only once a day because food has become too expensive,” she said.

Another student, Emmanuel Toritseju, a second year Accounting student, said insecurity has disrupted farming activities and food supply across the country, “This is not just happening in Lagos or Abuja, even here in Abraka, food prices have become very high because many farmers can no longer go to their farms. Without security, farming cannot continue, and without farming, there will be no food,” he stated.

Traders at the Abraka Small Market also attributed the high cost of food to insecurity affecting farming communities and transportation routes.

A vegetable trader, Mama Ngozi, said suppliers now face security risks while transporting produce from farming areas, “Before now, trucks regularly brought tomatoes, pepper, and vegetables from farming communities like Agbor and Ogwashi, but today, many drivers avoid those routes because of attacks by armed groups, those who still transport food charge higher fares because of the risks involved, by the time the produce gets to the market, the prices have already gone up,” she explained. She added that traders are also experiencing reduced sales because many customers can no longer afford the prices.

Another trader, Mrs. Roseline Efe, who sells grains and other food items, said transportation costs have also increased because of insecurity, “Our suppliers are afraid to travel through certain roads because of kidnappers and bandits, some farmers have even considered quitting farming because they are constantly threatened, the government needs to provide adequate security for farmers and transporters so food can move freely again,” she said.

Students are calling on the government to deploy more security personnel to farming communities and major supply routes to protect farmers and improve food production.

Market traders also urged authorities to provide financial support for affected farmers and strengthen security along transportation corridors to ensure the steady movement of food across the country.

Residents warned that unless urgent action is taken to address insecurity, food prices may continue to rise, placing greater financial pressure on students, traders, and low income households.

Abraka Metro

Oborevwori, DELSU VC Hail Peretomode at Valedictory Lecture

Published

6 days ago

September 26, 2026

Media Conversation

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.

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.

Meanwhile, Delta State University, Abraka has released its approved UTME cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 admission session.

The release comes barely 24 hours after the state-owned institution released its first batch of admission for the incoming session.

Abraka Metro

Prof. Emmanuel Akarah Laid To Rest Amid Tears, Tributes

Published

1 month ago

August 29, 2026

Media Conversation

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.

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.

Abraka Metro

Tension As GLK, Okada Collide In Abraka

Published

1 month ago

August 20, 2026

Media Conversation

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.