By Barth Ozah
As the yuletide season gradually draw closer, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed traditional rulers in Delta State to be on alert over rising insecurity within the state.
The directive is coming a day the Chairman Ndokwa West LGA, Chief Goddey Obi-Nzete, declared curfew over insecurity in Kwale, the council headquarters.
Oborevwori who gave the directive while presenting staff of office to the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, said: “I note with pleasure that Asaba has become the city of choice for many people who find it a safe place to raise their families.
“By the same token, some undesirable elements are exploiting the exponential growth of the city to infiltrate the city with their own sinister agenda.
“Hence, you must remain vigilant and alert to any form of security threat that will destabilise the kingdom, and, by implication, the state capital.
“Please, do not hesitate to report any suspicious activities or persons in your communities to the relevant authorities. We do not want anything that will truncate the peace and security that we have been enjoying.
“This charge is also applicable to all the traditional rulers in the state and their subjects, for the sustenance of peace and security.
“One of the goals of this administration is to make Delta State the preferred investors’ destination. To achieve this goal, all hands must be on deck to ensure that our communities and urban centres are safe and secure for domestic and foreign investors.
“Towards this end, everything must be done to avoid inter- and intra-communal clashes. It is important that our traditional institution maintains a regular interface with the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council for effective strategies to contain any emerging security threat. This is the pathway to building the Delta State of our dreams.”
He appealed to all indigenes of Asaba to give their maximum support and cooperation to the new Asagba, saying “You have done well in ensuring that there was mutual understanding and harmony in the succession processes leading to his selection and subsequent enthronement.
“For him to succeed on the throne, he needs more of your support. The kingdom is yours to promote and protect. I, therefore, urge you to resist any attempt to cause disaffection in the kingdom. You must always bear in mind that the success of the Asagba is also your success.”
Meanwhile, a notice of 6pm to 6am curfew in Utagbe-Ogbe, Kwale, the headquarters of Ndokwa West LGA, has been issued.
“Sequel to the current security situation in Utagba-ogbe (Kwale) community, Ndokwa west Local Government Area, the security committee of the council having analyzed exhaustively the threats to lives and properties in the locality have decided to impose 6PM to 6AM curfew covering the whole area of Utagba-ogbe kingdom. The said curfew is to begin today 28th November, 2024 till further notice. Chief Sunday Enu, Secretary to Ndokwa-west LGA, said in a statement on behalf of the council.