NUJ Delta Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Extortion, Illegal Taskforces, DESTMA Operations, Others

ASABA — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Delta State, condemning the activities of illegal taskforces, extortion of motorists and traders, controversial operations of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), arbitrary school levies and other issues affecting the welfare of residents.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s monthly Congress held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba, under the chairmanship of the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe.

The Congress, which deliberated extensively on critical socio-economic, infrastructural, environmental, educational and security issues, urged government and relevant agencies to take immediate steps to address the challenges in line with the principles of good governance, accountability, rule of law and citizens’ welfare.

On security, the union expressed grave concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state, noting that residents, including journalists carrying out their professional duties, are increasingly exposed to danger.

While commending security agencies for their ongoing efforts, Congress called on the Delta State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence-led operations, enhance community policing and deepen collaboration with stakeholders to restore public confidence and guarantee the safety of lives and property.

The union also strongly condemned the activities of individuals and groups operating under the guise of Local Government taskforces on federal roads, where motorists are allegedly harassed and extorted. It described the practice as illegal taxation that impedes commerce and investment and is inconsistent with constitutional provisions governing the powers of Local Governments.

Particular concern was expressed over reports from Udu Local Government Area, where such activities allegedly persist despite claims that they are not officially sanctioned. Congress therefore called for the immediate disbandment of all illegal road taskforces and urged relevant government and security agencies to bring offenders to justice.

Congress equally condemned the harassment and extortion of traders and market women by fake revenue collectors and taskforce operatives, reiterating that only duly authorized government revenue agents operating with official documentation and designated government payment channels possess the legal authority to collect revenues.

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The union, however, commended the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, for proactively tackling the menace by apprehending and exposing fake taskforce operators, urging other Local Government Councils to emulate the example of accountability and transparency.

On traffic management, Congress called on the leadership of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), popularly known as the “Okowa Police,” to provide greater clarity on its operational mandate, enforcement procedures, accountability mechanisms and oversight structures to enhance public understanding and cooperation.

The union also urged DESTMA to deploy modern technology such as traffic cameras to identify traffic offenders and condemned the use of operational vehicles to block motorists, warning that such actions pose serious risks of accidents, injuries and possible loss of lives.

Congress further expressed concern over the proliferation of substandard, poorly engineered and unauthorized billboards across major urban centres, particularly Asaba, Effurun and Warri, describing the development as a threat to public safety, urban aesthetics and government revenue. It called on the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESAA) to intensify enforcement and remove defective structures.

The journalists also frowned at the conversion of flyovers in Asaba, Warri and Effurun into makeshift motor parks and markets by tricycle operators and street traders, noting that the misuse defeats the purpose for which the facilities were constructed. While acknowledging the efforts of the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, Congress urged authorities to reclaim the public infrastructure and enforce traffic regulations.

The communiqué equally decried the recurring failure to implement resolutions reached at major public summits, particularly the recent Delta State Security Summit, insisting that such engagements should not become mere ceremonial events but should produce measurable outcomes backed by implementation timelines and accountability mechanisms.

Congress also expressed dissatisfaction with the weak enforcement of the Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Law, 2021, warning that continued open grazing threatens peaceful coexistence, agricultural productivity and food security.

The union further raised concerns over the increasing influx of undocumented migrants and persons of unknown identities into various parts of the state, especially the capital city, urging the Nigeria Immigration Service, the State Security Council and other relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance and community-based intelligence gathering.

On education, Congress frowned at reports of arbitrary and unauthorized levies imposed on parents and students in some public schools, including demands for desks and other infrastructural provisions. It called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations and insisted that all approved school levies should be publicly displayed to eliminate ambiguity and prevent exploitation.

The communiqué reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders in promoting good governance, public safety, accountability and sustainable development, pledging to continue monitoring developments across the state and holding public office holders and institutions accountable in the overall interest of the people of Delta State.