Delta Police Boss Convenes Oghara Security Summit Over Kidnapping Spike

The increasing apprehension concerning banditry and abductions within Oghara, situated in the Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, prompted the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Oyeniyi, to organize a crucial security parley. This significant gathering brought together the traditional ruler and other vital community figures to tackle the escalating security challenges. The event, which took place on Monday at the palace of the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, was a direct response to widespread public alarm regarding a spike in kidnappings and violent incidents across the locality.

Notable attendees at the session included Christian Onogba, the Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area, along with youth leaders, community Presidents-General, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), representatives from the Arewa community, and various other stakeholders. Deliberations primarily focused on the escalating occurrences of kidnapping, cultism, and drug abuse. Participants collectively committed to enhancing intelligence sharing, safeguarding informants, and fostering stronger synergy between the police, the judiciary, local government bodies, and community leaders to facilitate the successful prosecution of suspected offenders.

This security summit occurred shortly after the Oghara Study Group, in the preceding week, voiced serious concerns about the deteriorating security landscape within the kingdom. The group claimed that Oghara had transformed into a focal point for organized criminal activities. They highlighted a recent incident where suspected bandits abducted a couple, alleging that the husband was murdered even after a ransom was paid, while his wife reportedly managed to escape from captivity under the cloak of night. In an official statement endorsed by its co-conveners, Rev David Ugolor and Prof Ogheneruonah Eghweree, the group emphasized that residents were now living in constant fear due to persistent attacks on communities, farmlands, and major thoroughfares by kidnappers, armed gangs, and cult groups.

"The security situation in Oghara and its environs has worsened in recent times, with the increasing wave of banditry, kidnappings and killings,” the Oghara Study Group declared. They further noted a disturbing trend where victims are increasingly being killed even after ransom demands are met, leading to profound devastation for numerous families.

In response to these pressing concerns, Commissioner Oyeniyi proceeded to the palace of the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Noble Oyibo Eshemitan. There, he engaged with community leaders, youth representatives, and other crucial stakeholders to devise effective strategies for combating the prevailing insecurity. The police chief lauded the monarch's dedication to fostering peace and harmony within the kingdom. He also reaffirmed the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu's, directive emphasizing enhanced cooperation with traditional rulers, local government bodies, and host communities as a fundamental component of community policing initiatives.

Commissioner Oyeniyi implored residents to maintain consistent intelligence sharing with security agencies, underscoring that criminal elements pose a collective threat to all. Despite the gravity of the discussions, Oyeniyi asserted that Oghara largely remained peaceful, save for “some isolated cases of kidnapping and cultism.” He further reassured the populace that the state police command is committed to bolstering intelligence-led policing and cultivating strategic partnerships to effectively combat crime and enhance public safety throughout the region. In return, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom affirmed the kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting the police in their efforts to protect lives and property.