The present spate of national insecurity arising from reckless bombing, kidnapping, armed banditry and other negative societal vices that has thrown up a strong challenge and debate in Nigeria and the international community, and which has gradually trickled into some volatile states has begun to generate concerns.
In Delta state, the growing discontent of the people over the rising spate of insecurity, especially in notable flashpoint areas and waterways may have necessitated the assurances of the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who enjoined Deltans not to panic in the face of current security challenges facing the nation as his administration has taken firm measures to check it.
Uduaghan, who disclosed that 30 kidnap suspects have already been arrested in the state gave the assurance at the end of the state weekly security meeting in Asaba on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 and pledged that his administration was on top of the security situation and will deal decisively with criminals in accordance with the law.
While charging Deltans to be vigilant and not exaggerate issues as security operatives were on red alert in the state, the governor revealed that “In the last few days we have had some security challenges in certain parts of the state. I am appealing to Deltans not to panic; we have taken certain measures to deal with the kidnappers.”
Just as Delta state seeks investors for power generation and other economic viable projects, it is also a known fact that general insecurity in the Niger Delta region has been identified as key reason why investors flee the region.
Although Delta state, which has had major insecurity issues in the past, is currently relatively peaceful following the presidential amnesty deal awarded to repentant militias, kidnapping, vandalism and illegal oil bunkering has continued to be rife and has constituted major factors challenging investments in the state.
But in Governor Uduaghan’s standpoint, “Delta state is peaceful state for investors; we have had more serious security challenges in the past and have been able to address it, Deltans should not exaggerate issues, the government is capable of handling it.”
Uduaghan, who promised to keep the state relatively peaceful so that investors will have the conducive environment to do business, disclosed that Joint Patrol Teams will drive kidnappers and other criminals away from the state.
He assured that the state government was also dealing with the security challenges in all flashpoint areas of the state, adding that sanity has gradually returned to most of the communities and the waterways where the Naval authority has steadily ensured safety of oil facilities.
Meanwhile, various interest groups have continued to raise fearful alarm over meaningless assassination, kidnapping and other violent crimes in Delta State, saying these are all a pointer to the worsening state of insecurity.
