By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has raised an urgent alarm regarding the rising wave of insecurity in Delta State, calling on heads of security agencies in the State and country to take urgent steps to curb the menace of insecurity in the state.
DOPF in a strongly worded statement, signed by Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, Chairman and Mr Shedrack Onitsha Secretary, the forum highlighted the troubling increase in kidnapping and herder attacks, particularly affecting Delta Central and Delta North.
The Forum noted that in recent weeks, major highways such as the Sapele-Effurun Road and the East-West Road between Agbarho and Ughelli have become hotspots for criminal activities. Reports of kidnappings and armed robbery have become a daily occurrence on these routes. Adding that residents and travellers alike are facing great danger, as journeys through these roads are described as life-threatening.
DOPF statement reads in parts: "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 on 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. Travelling 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 to lick hawks. 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. Swift and decisive action must be taken to dismantle these criminal networks and restore confidence in our security apparatus.
"We also appeal to the State Government to 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 defence 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 starvation because they can’t go to their farms without being attacked."
The DOPF reiterates that the safety and security of citizens are of utmost importance. They urge all stakeholders to work collaboratively to put an end to violence and create a safe and prosperous Delta State.
