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From Ben Dunno, Warri
The uniqueness of Delta State goes beyond its multi-ethnic components. Five prominent nationalities including Urhobo, Ibo, Itsekiri, Ijaw and Isoko, co-habit, covering landmark areas where five modest cites; Warri, Asaba, Effurun, Ughelli and Sapele are competing for developmental attention.
This perhaps explains why it is extremely an Herculean task for the commanders of the various security formations in the state to effectively cover its operational areas, especially when putting into consideration its vast urban spread and its coastal settlements, where major oil exploration activities are being carried out.
But in its recent appraisal, two security watch groups; Warri Urban Security Network (WUSN) and Delta Oil and Gas Security Monitoring Group (DOGSMG), scored Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass and his team high in ensuring a widespread intelligence gathering and security dragnet across the state.
WUSN chairman, Okiemute Onoriode, noted that while the police within the Warri, Effurun and Udu axis have succeeded in reducing crime waves in these areas, the team in Delta North, comprising Asaba, Agbor, Ogwashi-Uku and Kwale, are equally not relenting.
He recalled a statement credited to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edafe Bright, where the police under Agbor Area Command, invaded the notorious Kelubia Street in Agbor-Obi. This was based on credible intelligence and arrested four suspects, Ogbolu, Justice, Precious and Queen, all Agbor indigenes. According to him: “Preliminary investigation led to the search of their premises during which two locally made cut-to-size guns, one AK-47 magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition.
“Two live cartridges, two Vikings secret cult berets and 10 wraps of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered. Suspects and exhibits are in custody and investigation has commenced as efforts are being made to arrest other members of the criminal gang.”
Onoriode hinted of another development where members of Crack Squad attached to Delta State Police Command, received information about a cult activity at Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku Road: “The Crack Squad cordoned off the premises and arrested one and recovered one locally made cut-to-size gun with one live cartridge.
“On interrogation, the suspect admitted being a member of Aro Bagger Confraternity, who alongside its members were responsible for series of violent crimes and cult wars being experienced in the area.” He wondered how the residents of Agbor -Obi, Ogwashi-Uju and environs would have had a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration if these arms and ammunition were left unrecovered in the hands of criminals.
Coordinator, DOGSMG) Chief Frank Akpodiete, applauded both the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Abass, for the coordination synergy that cumulated in the remarkable achievements made in effective policing of the state: “In carrying out the strategic mandate of Egbetokun in achieving maximum results in crimes and social vices control in the society, Abass left no stone unturned in getting his men and officers to key into the IGP’s objectives.
“On several occasions, Abass solicited the cooperation of the public in the speedy eradication of firearms and ammunition. The opportunity given by the IGP on persons in possession of firearms to return to the nearest police station is still very open.
“It is on record that Abass had reiterated that criminal activities will not be tolerated in the state and sounded warning to the residents, particularly the youths to shun cultism and other related vices in their best interest.”
