Youths from the Ndokwa Federal Constituency of Delta State have broken their silence on the recent attack on the state’s Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Trakiriowei Harry Thankgod, offering insight into what triggered the incident.
The commissioner was reportedly assaulted by protesting youths during a visit to Kwale, where he had gone in an attempt to de-escalate mounting tensions and assure the community that the state government would address their demands. Despite his intervention efforts, the youths turned on him, physically assaulting him and vandalizing his official vehicle, a Toyota Lexus SUV. Witnesses said the vehicle’s windshield, side mirrors, brake lights, reverse lights, fenders, and front bumper were damaged during the confrontation.
Speaking exclusively to our correspondent in Kwale, in what marks their first public reaction since the incident, the aggrieved youths—who requested anonymity—accused the Delta State Government of longstanding neglect. They described the attack as a direct consequence of government failure to address basic infrastructural and social needs in Ndokwa communities.
According to the youths, the region suffers from chronic underdevelopment, including poor road networks, lack of potable water, inadequate healthcare facilities, absence of electricity, and collapsing educational infrastructure.
“Before we took this step, we exhausted all avenues for peaceful dialogue. We wrote letters, held meetings, and made appeals, but our cries were ignored,” one of the protesters said.
“As a people who value justice, fairness, and sincerity, we were cautious and patient. But our patience has limits.”
The youths decried the condition of primary and secondary schools in the area, describing them as dilapidated and unsafe for learning. They said many schools have blown-off roofs, lack desks and chairs, and force students to sit on bare floors.
“There is no pipe-borne water in our communities. The roads leading to and from the oil-producing areas are riddled with potholes and are virtually impassable,” another protester added.
As part of their protest, the youths from Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West local government areas blocked major roads, including the Kwale–Asaba–Ughelli highway, effectively cutting off vehicular movement for several hours.
Following the attack, police operatives dispatched to the scene rescued the commissioner and restored order.
Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Bright Edafe, disclosed that several individuals have been arrested and are currently being questioned at the State Police Command Headquarters in Asaba. Those in custody include:
- Nkenchor Kingsley (alias Akwe)
- Ufuoma Franklin (alias Heryland)
- Izah Felix
- Adoh Stanley
- Ijika Grant
- Otuya Okechukwu
- Onwugbolu Benjamin (alias Benbestik)
- Sylvanus Ossai
- Okuepusu Christopher
- Aniashak Detai
- Enete Precious Azubike
- Endurance Eromosele
- Frank West
- Aniogue Chinedu
- Hon. Friday Osanebe
- And several other unnamed persons believed to have acted in concert with them.
Superintendent Edafe confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and those found culpable will be charged accordingly.
