By Ovasa Ogaga,
The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has raised alarm over the worsening state of security across Southern Nigeria, calling on state governors in the region to urgently address what it describes as an “existential threat” facing their people.
In a statement jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, and Secretary-General, Shedrack Onitsha, the group decried the increasing cases of kidnappings, killings, rapes, and general terror allegedly perpetrated by criminal elements, many of whom disguise themselves as herdsmen or hunters.
“We are alarmed by the growing wave of kidnappings, killings, raping of our mothers and daughters, and terror being visited upon innocent citizens,” the Forum stated, expressing frustration at what it perceives as passive or inadequate responses from Southern governors. Adding that "The situation has reached a breaking point and the continued silence or passive responses from our state governors is no longer acceptable."
The group reminded the governors of their constitutional roles as Chief Security Officers of their respective states, emphasizing that “the Land Use Act vests control of all lands in the hands of the governors, and they must not fold their hands while their people suffer untold hardship and terror on their ancestral lands. It is time for proactive leadership that prioritizes the safety of lives and property over Political Interest."
"We also draw attention to the recent incident in Uromi, Edo State, where 16 persons were tragically killed following rising tensions between residents and suspected criminal herders. Such avoidable bloodshed is often the result of citizens losing faith in government to protect them. Similar fear has gripped parts of Delta State, where many farmers have abandoned their farms out of fear of attacks, leading to food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods. These tragic events are calls to action, not just mere rhetoric.
The Forum also applauded the bold stance of the Emir of Muri in Taraba State, His Royal Highness Abbas Njidda Tafida, who issued a 30-day ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate certain areas over persistent security concerns. “If people in the North can ask them to leave, why are Southerners treating them with leniency?” the Emir was quoted as saying in a widely circulated video — a sentiment DOPF urges Southern leaders to reflect upon.
The statement further warned against engaging compromised traditional rulers, noting that some have been implicated in shielding criminal elements. It called for collaboration with only those leaders who have been security-vetted and are committed to peace.
Quoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent directive to state governors, the Forum reiterated: “The President's directive must therefore be followed and enforced in the South. The time for rhetoric is over; our people deserve peace, protection, and purposeful governance.”
The DOPF emphasized that the primary duty of government remains the protection of lives and property and demanded that Southern governors rise to the occasion without delay.
