Politics
Delta LG Chairman Jaro Egbo pledges ₦5 million reward for leads on missing children, clarifies only three cases confirmed—not 52 as earlier reported
In a wide-ranging interview on Arise News today, Jaro Egbo, Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State, announced a ₦5 million reward for anyone who provides credible information that leads to the recovery of missing children in Agbaro and surrounding communities. The pledge comes amid conflicting reports of mass abductions and growing anxiety among residents. Arise News
Egbo used the media platform to walk back earlier sensational claims that 52 children had gone missing in Agbaro. He firmly stated that those reports were exaggerated and clarified that only three confirmed cases are currently under investigation. Arise News
Clarifying the Numbers: Not 52, but Three
One of Egbo’s core messages during the interview was to correct the narrative that has gripped social media and local discourse. He said:
“First, let’s make it very clear, there are no missing 52 children in Agbaro, in Ughelli North, or in Delta State… as a matter of fact.” Arise News
He explained the progression of investigations: initially, five cases were flagged as missing children, but subsequent inquiry revealed that only two were valid. One child had been collected by his father following a parental separation, while another was associated with a mother experiencing mental instability. Those children were ultimately recovered or accounted for. Arise News
Egbo also addressed the case of twins Divine and Delight Elisha, aged five, who went missing after being left under the care of their 15-year-old sister. He confirmed that one twin was lured away, and that authorities are treating this as one of the three verified missing children cases. Arise News
As of today, Egbo affirmed:
“As I speak to you, there are three: Tega, who is two years old; Moses Lucky, who is four years old; and Divine Elisha, one of the twins taken some days back.” Arise News
Reward, Arrests & Challenges in Prosecution
The ₦5 million reward is intended to encourage residents to come forward with actionable leads. According to Egbo:
“The man that was arrested with a child on his cart is still with the police, but the problem is that people are not willing to come and give evidence. That is why I announced a reward of five million Naira for any information that will lead to the recovery of missing children.” Arise News
He also acknowledged that earlier lapses had occurred in policing and oversight. In response, a shakeup was made: the area commander was transferred, and a new “crime cracker,” ECP Shaba, was appointed. Egbo reported that security conditions have “seriously improved” since the change. Arise News
On the matter of prosecution, Egbo lamented that many families are hesitant to follow through:
“I even provided a lawyer and funds for them, but many of them are vulnerable and cannot afford to pursue cases,” he said. Arise News
He also rebutted notions of ritual killings or targeting of twins, insisting Delta State is not a place of such practices, and that this is a first in local history. Arise News
Policy Moves: Banning Cart Pushers & Pursuing Leads
One notable measure Egbo has employed is the banning of cart pushers (iron scavengers) in Agbaro, which was instituted after a child was allegedly found inside a cart. He said:
“When we investigated, people alleged that it was iron scavengers who were responsible. One child was actually found inside the cart of an iron scavenger. So we banned their activities in Agbaro.” Arise News
He claims that from the time the ban was imposed in May until the recent twin case, no new incident occurred under that pattern—giving credence to the decision. Arise News
Egbo also revealed that leads are being followed, including claims that missing children were transported to orphanages in the northern part of Nigeria. He vowed authorities were not idle:
“It’s not like we are sitting back. We are on top of it.” Arise News
Tensions Between Public Perception and Official Position
Egbo’s aggressive clarification campaign signals frustration with what he calls misleading media narratives. He asserted:
“We are talking about four lives here, and that is already a large number. But not 30 or 50 children.” Arise News
He emphasized that had he not taken the matter seriously, he wouldn’t be offering ₦5 million in reward. Arise News
Still, in the public domain there remains anxiety and distrust, especially among parents who fear their children may be victims of organized abduction rings. Egbo’s comments may reassure some, but they’ll need backing from action to be believed.
Strengths, Risks & What’s Next
Strengths / Positive Moves
- Transparency and media engagement: By speaking publicly, Egbo is trying to manage narratives and signal accountability.
- Monetary incentive: The ₦5 million reward is a strong carrot to coax tip-offs.
- Reform in security leadership: Replacing commands and bolstering policing may improve enforcement on the ground.
- Banning of suspected modus operandi: The cart pusher prohibition addresses specific vectors of risk.
Risks / Challenges
- False claims: With so much money on offer, the system may be flooded with misinformation or scams.
- Lack of cooperation / fear of retaliation: Egbo admitted many people fear giving evidence.
- Prosecution bottlenecks: Even when arrests are made, moves to convict may stall due to weak legal follow-through or intimidation.
- Public distrust in official figures: Many will remain skeptical of claims that only three children are missing, given earlier narratives of 52.
