Delta Online Publishers Forum Calls for Immediate Action Against Rising Insecurity In Delta State

Ogheneruona Tejiri, Asaba

Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has expressed grave concern over the alarming rate of incidents of kidnaps and herder attacks in Delta State just as it calls for concerted collaborated action to stem the ugly trend.

This is contained in a statement signed by Emmanuel Enebeli and Shedrach Onitsha, Chairman and Secretary respectively of the Forum made available to journalists in Asaba, the Forum was particularly worried over this rising cases in
Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial Districts.

The Forum then called on the Nigerian Police and all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts in curbing these menaces that threatens the peace and security of our communities.

Highlighting some of the incidences, the Forum added, “in recent weeks, there has been a disturbing surge in kidnapping activities, particularly in major highways across the state namely, Sapele-Effurrun Express way, the East-West Road between Agbarho and Ughelli as well as between Ughelli/Patani. Hardly a day passes without reported cases of kidnap and armed robbery attacks on these routes. Traveling through these roads is like daring your fate, because it takes a miracle to pass unhurt”.

Accordng to the Forum, “a once peaceful community, Egbo-Uhurhie in Ughelli South Local Government Area, is currently under siege by kidnappers. From Ughelli to Effurun, Sapele, Oghara, Abraka and Agbor, nowhere is safe as kidnappers pick their victims like hawk. Families are living in fear, businesses are suffering and the overall safety of our citizens is at stake.

The Forum then called on the Inspector General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to deploy additional resources and personnel to the affected areas to ensure the protection of lives and properties, adding, “it is imperative that swift and decisive action is taken to dismantle these criminal networks and restore confidence in our security apparatus.”

The Forum also called on Delta State Government to support security agencies with logistics and other tools to enhance intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives, which are crucial in preventing these crimes before they occur, adding, “collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups should be strengthened to create a formidable defense against these threats”

The Forum also suggested that the State Government should engage in meaningful dialogue with herder communities to address the underlying issues contributing to these attacks to ensure that sustainable solutions are found to foster peaceful coexistence and prevent future conflicts.

The Forum further added, “safety and security of our citizens are paramount, and we must all work together to put an end to these acts of violence and ensure a safe and prosperous Delta State.

End