Ovwian Community Cries Out To Governor Okowa Over Insecurity, Demands Army Check Point, As SSA Security Daniel Ezekiel Visits Burutu Area Command To Proffer Solution

Ovwian Community Cries Out To Governor Okowa Over Insecurity, Demands Army Check Point, As SSA Security Daniel Ezekiel Visits Burutu Area Command To Proffer Solution

Francis Tayor

Udu_____ The people of Ovwian Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, has cried out to Governor Okowa over the daily incessant attacks and killing of residents by criminals in the Community and its environ.

The Community appeal to governor Okowa on the urgent need for security check points to be located at Ovwian junction and Orhuworun round about by Jigbale market along Udu road, in order to tackle the security challenges faced by residents in the area.

The people made the demand yesterday during a Town Hall meeting with the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Delta State governor on security matters, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel stressed that, criminals have taken over Ovwian community and that they could not sleep peacefully at night anymore.

Speaking to newsmen, the President General of Ovwian Community, Hon Chief.Matthew Uparan said; " Ovwian was a very peaceful Community where people come to do business. The problem started immediately after the 2019 governorship election. We wrote series of letters to the government and various security agencies to come to our aid, but nothing was done. We try our best but our best was not good enough. We couldn't sleep at night, our people are dying every day. Hoodlums have taken over Ovwian."

" Chief.Matthew reiterated that most times when there is emergency situation, and we put a call on the police, they give excuses of not having fuel in their vehicle. The police have failed us. We appeal to His Excellency Dr.lfeanyi Okowa to help us. We need army check point at Ovwian now. That is the only way to help tackle the security challenges in Ovwian udu area, he stated."

In his response, the SSA to Governor Okowa on security matters, Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel lamented the high rate of gangsterism in Ovwian. He said; " Security is the life wire for development in every society. We heard all what is happening in Ovwian community. The kidnapping and killing every day is worrisome and alarming. I came in respect of the insecurity in Ovwian community."

" Let us plan together on how we can curbed the menace of cultism, armed robbery and other vices terrorising our community. I appeal to my fellow youths to always maintain peace. Do not allow circumstances around to influence you to commit crime. I am giving you my words today, before the week runs out, the report of your complain will get to the governor for prompt action. Our amiable governor Okowa is a peace loving man. When there is peace, development will come to Ovwian community.

Security is every man business, continue to share intelligence information with the various security agencies in order to restore peace and order in Ovwian community, he stated."

However, the Senior Special Assistant went further to visit the Burutu Area Command and the DPO of Ovwian police station,on how to work out modalities to tackle the security challenges in the area.

At the Area Command office, the SSA Comrade Ezekiel stressed that Security is a serious business that needs adequate attention. All hands must be on deck to ensure peace in our community.

According to him; " I have come to reach out to the various security apparatus to synergize in order to maintain peace and orderliness in our communities. I choose to come Ovwian first because this environment has become a flash point for bad boys to operate."

" Last two weeks we heard about killings in Ovwian. Just yesterday another youth was killed by gangsters. No reasonable government will fold her hands to allow things go wrong in our society.

Am here today as an eye to our amiable governor to brain storm with you in order to proffer solution to the menace of cultism in Ovwian Community. Our communities cannot develop in the presence of chaos. Whatever the challenges your office may go through, relate to me so that l can present it to our amiable governor for action, SSA asserted."

In his reaction, the Burutu Area Commander, ACP.Kolawole Adepegba
appreciates the SSA for the visit." We have been battling with this cultism issue for some times. We are trying our best. Our men are patrolling the communities every day and night. We shall continue to do our best to flush out every criminal elements terrorising Ovwian and its environ."

" Our major challenges is lack of manpower. We need more police officers because Burutu Area command is very big. We also lack adequate patrol vehicles. We just have only one. We need more vehicles. Even at present, our men don't relent to perform their duty efficiently, ACP.Kolawole stated"

Also speaking at the meeting was the DPO Ovwian-Aladja Police Station, CSP.Akintunde Oyewiran stressed on the
need for government to engage the youths through vocational training.

According to the DPO; " crime will drastically reduce to the barest minimum in Ovwian if constant youth enlightenment programs is also carried out by the government. When the mind set of the youths are engaged meaningfully, there will be a change of mentality, and peace will be restored in the community, he stated."