By Akpos Oghenetega,
Critical stakeholders in Sapele, under the aegis of Concerned Sapele Residents (CSR), have applauded the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies for their commitment to fighting crime in the Sapele local government area of Delta State.
The group also urged political leaders in the Sapele local government area to collaborate and support security agencies in tackling emerging security challenges in the famous timber town.
CSR stated that the call for support of the police and other security agencies has become necessary due to emerging global security concerns. They noted that Sapele, as part of the global community, is not insulated from criminal attacks. Therefore, all stakeholders should support the police's efforts to curb crime in Sapele.
In a press release made available to journalists after a critical stakeholders meeting held in Sapele on Wednesday, July 23, 2024, the group disclosed that security is everyone's responsibility. They emphasized that policing a complex city like Sapele cannot be left solely to security agencies.
CSR commended the efforts of the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Army, who, through operational efficiencies, have reduced the incidence of violent crimes, particularly cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping in Sapele over the past two years.
Concerned Sapele Residents, in a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mazi Uguw Emenike, General Secretary, Comrade Moses Osadolo, and Spokesman, Mr. Oniovosa Etashime, explained that for residents to experience peace in Sapele, all stakeholders must urgently support security agencies. They emphasized that these agencies daily put their lives on the line with little or no motivation to ensure the safety of residents and their families.
According to their statement, “Sapele has been one of the safest cities in Nigeria, thanks to the efforts of the Nigerian Police and military personnel, who for about two years have kept cultists, armed robbers, and kidnappers at bay in Sapele and its environs.
"We have some of the best-trained security personnel in Africa, but we must understand that our security agencies are overstretched on all fronts. To compound their challenges, they are not well-equipped, poorly motivated, and underfunded to tackle emerging security threats.
"So, we commend the modest efforts of our security agencies in Sapele and want to encourage them to keep up their good work. However, there is room for improvement to confront emerging global security challenges, and Sapele, being part of the global community, is not immune to isolated attacks.
"To tackle the growing security threat, which is not peculiar to Sapele or Delta State, all hands must be on deck. Security is everyone's business and cannot be left to the government or the security agencies alone.
"We are all aware that after every major election, like the 2023 general elections, there is always an upsurge in violent crime because some of the guns supplied by political gladiators to their supporters are not recovered. In most cases, these boys, whose bosses failed to settle, now turn against innocent residents.
"We appeal to the political class in Sapele to put aside their political affiliations and support the efforts of the police and other security agencies to serve us better.
"Kidnappers and armed robbers don’t care whether you are an APC or PDP member when they strike. So, when there is a security challenge, we as stakeholders should work for solutions rather than engage in a blame game.
"We should resist the temptation of playing politics with security because when violence erupts, we don't know who the victim will be. What the security agencies need now is our support, not unwarranted criticism.
"Therefore, we call on those in positions of authority in Sapele to assist security agencies with logistics, such as operational patrol vans, modern communication gadgets, and other necessary tools that can enhance their operations. They should not stand aloof and criticize their operations without lending a helping hand.”
