By Austin Ogwuda
MEMBERS of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) have joined others to condemn the alarming rate of insecurity in Delta State, especially in Delta North and Central that are presently under siege following rampant herdsmen attacks and kidnapping activities.
The Forum in a statement signed by the Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli and Secretary, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha called on both the Inspector General of Police, the Delta State Police Commissioner and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to find lasting solution to the menace.
The statement reads:
“The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) expresses grave concern over the alarming increase in kidnapping incidents and herder attacks in Delta State, particularly Delta Central and Delta North. We call upon the Nigerian Police Force and all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts in curbing these menaces that threaten the peace and security of our communities.
“In recent weeks, there has been a disturbing surge in kidnapping activities, particularly in state major highways, Sapele-Effurrun road, the East-west Road between Agbarho and Ughelli and between Ughelli/Patani, hardly a day passes without reported cases of kidnap and armed robbery attacks on the routes. Traveling through these roads is like daring your fate, because it takes a miracle to pass unhurt.
“A once peaceful community, Egbo-Urhe in the 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 lick hawk. Families are living in fear, businesses are suffering, and the overall safety of our citizens is at stake.
“The DOPF urges 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 property. It is imperative that swift and decisive action is taken to dismantle these criminal networks and restore confidence in our security apparatus.
“We also appeal to the State Government support the 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. The collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups should be strengthened to create a formidable defense against these threats.
“Furthermore, the DOPF calls on the State government to engage in meaningful dialogue with herder communities to address the underlying issues contributing to these attacks. Sustainable solutions must be found to foster peaceful coexistence and prevent future conflicts. Today, most Deltans are facing starvations because they can’t go to their farms without being attacked.
“The 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.
Signed:
Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli
(Chairman)
Mr. Shedrack Onitsha
(Secretary)
Recall that a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Assembly, Rt Hon Monday Igbuya, recently at a media chat said, “the worsening cases of insecurity in Sapele and its environs is becoming very worrisome and it is getting out of hand and if urgent steps are not taken to arrest the development, it will affect the social economic development of the town.
“So, I am calling on the Nigerian Police and other sister security agencies to up their games and stop this dangerous drift, because no one or nowhere is safe as it is today in Sapele (Delta Central), people are being kidnapped at will in their homes, along the streets and even public places unchallenged”, Igbuya stated.
Similarly, barely three weeks after an Open Letter was sent to the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori by a Socio-cultural group, known as the Awu Elites (AE), a body of Professionals from Abavo kingdom over incessant killings in the area, suspected armed herdsmen stormed Okpe-Abavo community in Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State, (Delta North) killing a 55-year-old farmer identified as Friday Jegbefume.
The rampaging herdsmen did not stop in killing the farmer they kidnapped his wife in the process.
The Chairman of Okpe-Abavo, Mr. Augustine Nkemachor who spoke on the issue, said, “Some unknown persons invaded his home, shot him dead, injured his son and kidnapped his wife. Up till now we have not heard from his wife.
“It has been too rough with our community. They started this (attack) about ten years ago, so many people have been killed but it has become worse since last year. For now, we are surviving by the grace of God”, Nkemachor lamented.
Photo caption: Emmanuel Enebeli, Chairman, DOPF
