…Urges Council Leaders, Traditional Rulers to Take Action
*By Sunday Apah*
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday declared the government’s commitment to utilizing modern technology as a means of addressing criminal activities throughout the state.
The Governor expressed his concerns regarding the rising insecurity in various regions and issued a firm directive to local government council chairmen, emphasizing that their active participation in monthly security council meetings is essential and non-negotiable.
During a high-level meeting with security stakeholders in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori voiced his frustration over reports indicating that some council chairmen have been neglecting their responsibilities in coordinating local security efforts.
He underscored the importance of the monthly security council meetings for evaluating threats, sharing intelligence, and coordinating law enforcement responses, warning that any chairman who does not take these meetings seriously could face disciplinary consequences, including suspension.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted the urgent need to address the recent surge in kidnappings, cult-related violence, and substance abuse, calling on all security stakeholders to enhance their efforts in ensuring safety and security throughout the state.
He noted that the introduction of advanced surveillance technologies and data-driven intelligence would improve the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and help reduce criminal activities.
The Governor praised traditional rulers and other security stakeholders for their ongoing support and collaboration with the government in the fight against armed robbery, kidnapping, and other severe crimes.
“Your dedication to promoting peace and security in the state is commendable, but much work still lies ahead. Reports of insecurity, particularly kidnappings, remain concerning, and I encourage our youth to engage positively with security agencies and local vigilantes rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric on social media,” he stated.
“Security is a collective responsibility. As council chairmen, you were elected to lead and should have a good understanding of your communities. Members of the House of Assembly and commissioners from each local government must also contribute to fostering peace and security in their areas.”
“We are already collaborating with various security agencies, successfully coordinating operations against criminal hotspots, and dismantling kidnapping networks. The increasing insecurity in the state has been exacerbated by the influx of individuals from neighboring regions, particularly from across the Niger River.”
“Shortly, we will deploy technology to identify and confront the criminals jeopardizing the peace of our beloved state. I expect our local council chairmen, as the chief security officers of their jurisdictions, to hold regular security council meetings and keep me informed through the commissioner for local government, or directly.”
He assured that the ALGON Chairman and his executive team would be held accountable for any failure by council chairmen to conduct regular security meetings. He urged them to collaborate with traditional leaders in their local government areas.
“As Governor, I liaise with all traditional rulers in the state, and if I can manage this relationship, you can, too, with the traditional leaders in your areas. The crime rate is alarming; our youths are engaging in drug abuse and other social issues, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your surroundings. We will not tolerate any laxity from any chairmen. Once we hold one or two individuals accountable, it will prompt others to step up.”
“The conventional security forces are doing their utmost, and community vigilantes are there to support them, particularly given their familiarity with local communities. Therefore, council chairmen must ensure that adequate funding is available for them. Without proper support, they cannot assist conventional security forces effectively.”
“I expect a strong and productive relationship between the stakeholders, particularly traditional rulers and security agencies. Any local area whose traditional ruler fails to cooperate with our security agencies will not be tolerated,” he stressed.
“This meeting was convened to share ideas and suggestions for enduring solutions to the security challenges we face in the state, such as kidnappings and drug abuse.”
After the meeting, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, informed reporters that stakeholders had reached a consensus on implementing serious measures to combat the rising instances of kidnapping in certain areas.
“The various groups expressed their appreciation to Governor Oborevwori and the security agencies for their diligent efforts in ensuring the safety and peace of Delta State. It is agreed that criminals and troublemakers must stay away from our state,” he added.
HRM Maj Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, commended Governor Oborevwori for convening the security stakeholders’ meeting and clarified misconceptions that traditional rulers lease land to herders for financial gain. He stated, “This is not true; land ownership often resides either with communities or families, not with traditional rulers. Some malicious individuals in our communities misrepresent traditional leaders by claiming that they are complicit in financial dealings with herders.”
He expressed optimism that today’s discussions would significantly contribute to enhancing the security state in Delta. He pointed out that the absence of Federal Forest Guards in local governments has hindered the effectiveness of local hunters. However, he stated that vigilante groups within communities exist and need better funding.
Brig. Gen. Folu Shonibare, Commander of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Asaba, noted that stakeholders at the expanded security council meeting united to develop strategies to combat kidnapping, cultism, farmer/herder clashes, and drug abuse in the state.
He confirmed that security agencies are committed to ensuring Delta State is free of criminal elements, noting that significant outcomes have already arisen, such as the recent rescue of over 16 civilians who were nearly kidnapped.
Addressing recent protests in Abraka, the Brigade Commander clarified that, contrary to circulating rumors, no one was shot as a result of military intervention, asserting that his troops acted professionally during the situation.
“The protest in Abraka escalated into violence when hoodlums began to attack civilians, block shops, and forcefully recruit participants, causing significant disruptions; in response, the military intervened as local police were overwhelmed. There were no shootings recorded in that incident,” he clarified.
Hon Possible Ajede, Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, speaking on behalf of the council chairmen, stated, “We have been instructed to return to our respective local governments and prioritize security issues. This is a marching order and aligns with our commitment from today’s meeting that all criminal elements must leave the state.”
