Oborevwori Orders Monthly Security Meetings Amid Security Concerns

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed all local government council chairmen to hold monthly security meetings to tackle increasing criminal activities in the state.

The directive came during a security stakeholders meeting held on Thursday at Unity Hall, Government House in Asaba. The meeting brought together service commanders, members of the state assembly, council chairmen, traditional rulers, and state executives to address concerns over kidnappings, ritual killings, drug abuse, and other crimes.

Governor Oborevwori expressed dissatisfaction with reports indicating that some council chairmen have been neglecting their roles in coordinating security efforts at the local government level. He emphasized that the monthly meetings are vital for assessing security threats, sharing intelligence, and organizing effective responses. The governor warned that Chairmen who fail to take these responsibilities seriously would face disciplinary measures, including possible suspension.

He stressed that council chairmen as security chiefs of their local governments, must regularly convene these meetings and keep him informed either directly or through the Commissioner for Local Government. The governor further warned that the leadership of the All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON) would be held accountable should there be failures by council chairmen to comply.

Governor Oborevwori also stressed the need for close cooperation between council chairmen and traditional rulers, urging adequate funding to support local vigilante groups that assist security agencies. He added that any breakdown in relations between traditional rulers and security agencies would not be tolerated.

Speaking further, the governor commended the dedication of security operatives across the state and encouraged closer cooperation with community leaders and traditional institutions, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity and consistent engagement at every level.

Responding on behalf of all traditional rulers, the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom clarified misconceptions regarding traditional rulers’ involvement with land allocations to herders, stating that lands belong to communities or families, not the rulers. He also pointed out the lack of federal forest guards, which affects the use of local hunters for security purposes, and noted that vigilante groups suffer from inadequate funding.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomtimi Guwor said stakeholders agreed on measures to curb the rising incidents of kidnapping in the state.

On his part, the Commander of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Asaba said security agencies remain committed to addressing issues such as kidnapping, cultism, farmers-herders clashes, and drug abuse.

The meeting comes in response to growing insecurity concerns from Deltans particularly residents in areas such as Abraka, Mosogar, Jesse, Obiaruku, and Ogwashi-Uku, who have reported an increase in kidnappings and unrest. Political tensions in the state have also risen, particularly following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s proposed ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency.