Ughelli South LGA: Activist Raises Alarm Over Rising Crime Rate In Otokutu, Egbo Communities

By Daniel Dafe

Comr.(Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement(ISRCA) AKA “No Justice, No Peace,” has said that the escalating crime rate especially in the areas of kidnapping and armed robbery in Otokutu and Egbo communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State needs urgent attention by the Delta State Government and the Delta State Police Command.

This was contained in a statement released on Monday.

According to him, “in the last week, at least two individuals have been shot, while approximately five persons have been reportedly kidnapped in the area, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security operatives and the safety of residents.”

He added: “One of the reasons why crimes persist in the area despite the police being in charge of that jurisdiction is that there is a gap between the two communities, given that the Police Division, which has jurisdiction over the areas, is located outside the town’s outskirts in Otu-Jeremi. This has granted criminal elements unfettered freedom to conduct their operations with ease in these two communities, given the time interval required for the Police Division to respond to distress calls.”

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Continuing, he said: “The escalating insecurity situation has now reached a crisis point where kidnapping has become a daily occurrence, undermining all efforts to achieve sustainable peace and development in Delta State. Amidst these challenges, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and relevant stakeholders need to take proactive measures by establishing appropriate mechanisms to address early warning signs of kidnapping and armed robbery, as well as identifying and preventing future cases.”

Furthermore, he said: “As a matter of mutual concerns, I suggest that the Delta State Government collaborates with the leadership of both communities and the Police Command to establish a Police division strategically located between the two communities, thereby tactically shifting frequent crime activities away to the point of complete cessation.

“Also, community leaders are hereby encouraged to identify available land spaces in their respective communities, making them available to the Police for prompt action, seeking support from the Delta State Government, NGOs, and philanthropists for completion.”