NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Cult Killings, Police Extortion

Warri: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has expressed concern over rising insecurity, cult-related violence, police extortion, traffic congestion, and the abuse of social media by political actors, calling for urgent actions to address the challenges.

The concerns formed part of resolutions reached at the monthly Congress of the Chapel held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the NUJ Secretariat in Warri, Delta State.
On insecurity, Congress condemned the worsening security situation across the country, particularly the reported abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools, including a nursery school in Oyo State, by suspected terrorists.
The Chapel also expressed sadness over the reported killing of a male teacher attached to one of the affected schools and called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing the abducted victims and tackling kidnapping nationwide.

Congress also condemned recent cult-related killings in the Cemetery and Iyara areas of Warri, where two persons were reportedly killed in separate incidents linked to rival cult groups.

Members urged security agencies to identify and prosecute perpetrators of cult-related crimes while calling on Warri South Local Government authorities to strengthen measures aimed at restoring peace and security.

Parents and guardians were advised to discourage their children and wards from involvement in cultism and criminal activities capable of endangering lives and public safety.
The Chapel further commended the Delta State Government for infrastructure projects, particularly the construction of flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout and Enerhen Junction to improve vehicular movement within Warri and Effurun.

However, Congress expressed concern that indiscriminate parking by commercial tricycle operators and roadside trading activities around Enerhen Junction have created traffic and environmental challenges, thereby undermining the objectives of the road infrastructure project.

The Chapel called on relevant local government authorities to urgently clear affected areas and restore order to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Congress also condemned alleged extortion and harassment of motorists by some police personnel along major roads in Warri, Uvwie, Udu, Ughelli and neighbouring communities.

According to Congress, commercial transport operators have continued to complain of illegal demands for money and delays allegedly caused by some officers. The Chapel therefore urged police authorities to take decisive action against misconduct and ensure professionalism among personnel.

On political activities, Congress expressed concern over what it described as the misuse of social media by some political actors and government aides through inflammatory statements capable of creating tension.

The Chapel called on stakeholders to embrace responsible communication and issue-based engagements to sustain peace, unity and democratic stability.

Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel to responsible journalism, good governance, peace and the protection of citizens’ rights and welfare.