Insecurity In Abraka, Not A Fabian Issue –Prince Ukuanovwe

Calls For More Support For Policemen In Delta

Rights activist and 2023 House of Representatives Candidate, Prince Godstime Ukuanovwe, has said that tackling the issue of insecurity in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State is not a matter of removing of the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, CSP Fabian Ayameh.

Recall that recently, while the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Security, Hon. John Enamuotor called for the removal of the DPO, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Hon. Preye Ese, praised CSP Ayameh, saying he needs the support of the community and countered calls for his removal.

Speaking to Oasis Magazine on Tuesday, Ukuanovwe said his take on the matter was different.

He noted that those calling for the DPO’s removal cited kidnappings by suspected Fulani herdsmen, robbery and other crimes, saying that his uncle, Kennedy Ukuanovwe was killed in 2019 by marauding Fulani herdsmen along the Abraka reserve area very close to the railway line.

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According to him, the person in charge then when he lost his uncle was not Fabian.

In his words, “it is proper that we call for proactive policing because it is very obvious that police officers not limited to Abraka but across Delta State and Nigeria are not given premium attention to security of lives and property.”

He continued: “We must call for proper policing and the government of the day should put their house in other. Governor Oborevwori should not expect police officers to leave their families and just carry AK-47 and go to the bush without proper surveillance. They need proper digital surveillance equipment to fight insecurity.”

Continuing, he said that to address the herdsmen issue, there could be a political solution to it, adding that some herders continue to lay claims that they bought a parcel of land from the community, stressing that if the land was not truly bought as they claim, then they can be approached through the Miyetti Allah Association to immediately vacate the land.

He said further: “This issue of insecurity is happening in many places in Delta that have bushes. They can be called to a round table and if they are not the ones doing these kidnappings, then they should tell the public what is happening in the bushes.”

He alleged that “herders have multiple camps in the bushes and they are armed to the teeth,” just as he said that everyone must come together and tackle the issue once and for all.”

“Let us not make it a Fabian issue,” he opined.

“Fabian as a police officer has his flaws. But they should not limit policing to just looking for drugs and extortion. They should fight crime. Our insecurity issues are beyond Fabian cause it predates him,” he said.

Prince Ukuanovwe said he was not taking sides with those calling for his sack neither those saying he must stay.

“I am not the CP and should not be talking about his removal. What I want is for Abraka people to be able to sleep with their two eyes closed,” he averred.

Speaking further, he said: “The DPO is just the Head of the division. There are other heads of different departments in the police division. If we say let us call for his removal, then the entire police officers need to be removed. I don’t support those calling for his removal, neither am I supporting those calling for his stay.”

“This is a matter of urgent intervention. It is too big for Fabian. He and his police need our support,” he stated.