The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has cautioned youths against resorting to social media to make inciting statements. Instead, he urged them to collaborate with security agencies and local vigilantes to confront kidnappers and other criminals terrorizing communities across the state.
Speaking during a high-level security stakeholders meeting in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori, visibly concerned about the growing insecurity in parts of the state, issued a stern warning to local government council chairmen. He insisted that consistent attendance and active participation in monthly security council meetings was non-negotiable.
He emphasized that these meetings were crucial for assessing threats, sharing intelligence, and coordinating responses to crime. He warned that any council chairman who fails to take the meetings seriously would face disciplinary actions, including possible suspension.
Citing a resurgence of kidnapping, cult-related violence, and drug abuse, the governor called on all security stakeholders to redouble their efforts to ensure peace and safety across the state. He highlighted the importance of deploying advanced surveillance systems, crime-mapping tools, and data-driven intelligence to enhance law enforcement effectiveness.
Oborevwori commended traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their continued support and partnership with the government in combating violent crimes. “Your commitment towards enhancing the peace and security of the state is commendable, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” he said.
He stressed that security is a shared responsibility. “Council Chairmen, you campaigned to win elections and should know your environment well. Members of the House of Assembly and Commissioners must also contribute to ensuring peace in their respective LGAs.”
The governor noted that the state had been collaborating with various security agencies, leading to successful operations, including the destruction of kidnapping rings. However, he expressed concern over the influx of criminal elements from neighboring states, particularly across the Niger.
“We shall soon deploy technology to detect and neutralize criminal elements undermining the peace of our dear state,” he said. “Council Chairmen, as chief security officers of your LGAs, must hold regular security council meetings and brief me, either through the Commissioner for Local Government or directly.”
He vowed to hold the ALGON Chairman and executive members accountable if council chairmen fail to meet this obligation. He also urged chairmen to work closely with traditional rulers. “If I can manage all the traditional rulers in the state, you can do the same in your local governments.”
Oborevwori decried the rise in youth involvement in drugs and other vices, saying, “We won’t tolerate laxity. Once we use one or two as examples, others will sit up.”
He called for adequate funding for local vigilantes to support conventional security agencies. “If you don’t support them, they can’t effectively complement the efforts of security forces.”
The governor warned against non-cooperation by traditional rulers, noting that any community head who refuses to work with security agencies would not be tolerated. “That’s why I called this meeting—to share ideas and develop lasting solutions to security challenges like kidnapping and drug abuse.”
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said stakeholders had a productive discussion and resolved to adopt serious measures to curb kidnapping and other crimes. “We agreed that criminals and troublemakers must stay far from Delta State.”
Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orhue I, thanked the governor and dismissed claims that traditional rulers allocate lands to herders for money. “Lands belong to communities or families—not to traditional rulers. Bad elements make such claims to tarnish our image.”
He lamented the absence of Federal Forest Guards in many LGAs, making it difficult to fully utilize local hunters. “Our vigilantes are present but lack adequate funding.”
Commander of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, Brig. Gen. Folu Shonibare, said the expanded security council reached consensus on combating kidnapping, cultism, herders/farmers clashes, and drug abuse. He disclosed that security efforts were yielding results, with over 16 civilians recently rescued from a kidnapping attempt.
On the recent protest in Abraka, Shonibare clarified that no one was shot. “The protest was hijacked by hoodlums who turned violent. The military stepped in when the police were overwhelmed. Our personnel acted professionally.”
Hon. Possible Ajede, Chairman of Ukwuani LGA, who spoke on behalf of other council chairmen, said: “We’ve been given a marching order to return to our LGAs and take security more seriously. Our position now is that all criminal elements must relocate from Delta State.”
—
Let me know if you’d like a shorter version or one tailored for broadcast or social media.
