By Barry Agbanigbi
Youths from the Ndokwa Federal Constituency of Delta State have opened up on the reasons behind their recent attack on the Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Trakiriowei Harry Thankgod.
The Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Trakiriowei Harry Thankgod, was attacked by protesting youths from Ndokwa Federal Constituency despite his efforts to intervene and de-escalate the crisis. According to official accounts, the commissioner proceeded to the protest site upon receiving reports of the unrest, intending to pacify the aggrieved youths and convey assurances that the state government would soon address their grievances. However, upon arrival, he was physically assaulted by the protesters, sustaining injuries in the process. His official vehicle was also vandalized during the incident. A source who spoke on condition of anonymity told this newspaper that the attack was carried out because the commissioner was seen as a direct representative of the state government, which the youths accuse of neglecting their plight.
Speaking in Kwale during an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the youths—who requested anonymity—described the attack as a last resort after years of neglect and failed attempts at peaceful dialogue with the state government.
They lamented the poor state of infrastructure and basic social amenities in Ndokwa communities, listing bad roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, lack of electricity, absence of potable water, and dilapidated schools as some of the critical issues that fueled their action.
“Before we embarked on that mission, we tried every peaceful and lawful means to get the government’s attention, but all our efforts were ignored,” one of the youths said.
“As a people who value justice, sincerity, and respect for leadership, we were cautious in our actions. However, the persistent neglect of Ndokwa Nation left us with no option but to take drastic measures.”
The youths said most of their primary and secondary schools are in deplorable conditions, describing them as “structural relics” with blown-off roofs, no desks or chairs, and students forced to sit on bare floors.
They also criticized the complete absence of pipe-borne water in the area and highlighted the poor condition of roads leading to and from the oil-producing communities, which are riddled with potholes and remain largely impassable.
As part of the protest, the youths from Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West local government areas reportedly blocked major highways, including the Kwale–Asaba–Ughelli road, effectively paralyzing movement in the region.
During the confrontation, the Youth Commissioner, Barrister Thankgod, was reportedly surrounded by heavily armed youths but was later rescued by police officers deployed to the scene. His official vehicle—a Toyota Lexus SUV—was vandalized in the incident. Eyewitnesses said the windshield, side mirrors, brake lights, reverse lights, fenders, and front bumper of the car were all damaged.
Confirming the attack, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Bright Edafe, said several individuals are currently in custody and are being interrogated at the State Police Command headquarters in Asaba.
Those arrested 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 individuals believed to have acted in concert with them.
Superintendent Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing and assured the public that those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.