Orodje of Okpe kingdom meet stakeholders in Sapele over security.

Orodje of Okpe kingdom meet stakeholders in Sapele over security.

By Queen Stephanie Ikanone Odiete

His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue 1, CFR, mni, (Rtd), Orodje of Okpe kingdom has held a crucial stakeholders meeting to address the problem of insecurity and how to proffer long lasting solutions to curb the menance of arm robbery, kidnapping, assassination cases derived from alleged rivalries among cult gangs, sales of illicit hard drugs and other forms of brutal social menace that are inimical to the growth and development of the timber town. 

The Orodje of Okpe kingdom held this meeting in Sapele, at the Sapele Local Government Council Secretariat on Thursday, August 24th, 2023.

In the meeting attended by Chief Eugene Inoaghan, Executive Chairman Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Perkins Umukoro, Member Representing Sapele Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Hon Austine Ayemidejor, Prof Sam Oyovbaire, Okakuro Prince Godwin Ejinyere, Chief Godwin Atose, Chief Moses Babuba Abeke, Chief Onoriode Temiagin, councillors, staff of council and other persons. 

Security agencies such as the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, the Nigerian Army, the Navy, NDLEA, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Immigration and other sister agency, were also present when the Orodje of Okpe kingdom said; "security is every one's business and all hands needs to be on deck to combat the situation".

The security challenges have created a sense of fear and unrest among the populace, hindering their socio-economic activities and disrupting the peace and harmony of the various district within Sapele, hence the need for this meeting.

"We are gathered here as leaders of various groups of stakeholders on a peaceful agenda of Okpe kingdom to address this hydra-headed problem of insecurity. "I am aware of the tremendous efforts of the various security agencies to bring under control the security situation in the affected areas of the kingdom".

"However, a lot more need to be done to reduce or eliminate this scourge of insecurity in Sapele and it's sister-district of the kingdom. I want leaders, stakeholders present here to articulate their views, knowledge, feeling of the problems and suggest solutions", he said.

Okakuro Eugene Inoaghan, Executive Chairman of Sapele and Chief Security Officer said, "the menance of criminal activities has been reduced to a minimal extent through the joint efforts of the various security agencies in Sapele and we are not relenting, our aim is to see that crime in Sapele becomes history and to this end, I wish to particularly give kudos to the various security operatives, particularly the Nigeria Army, the Nigerian Police Force, Men of the State Security Service, DSS, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian vigilantes and other security agencies who are working day and night to ensure that residents have a peaceful environment.

His Royal Eminence, Archbishop Godday Iboyi, Spiritual Leader of Okpe kingdom, on his part suggested that landlords/landlady should take into cognizance the people that they rent out their apartment to, as it will help to prevent them from renting out their house to criminals.

Chief Godwin Atose expressed his gratitude to the Orodje for his support and commitment to the well-being of the community. 

Chief Perkins Umukoro, suggested that political leaders and appointees should endeavour to assist the various security agencies with little incentives to enable them run their activities smoothly and everyone should be actively involved in the process of finding lasting peace within the local government.

Representatives from different ethnic groups within Sapele echoed their collective desire for peace and harmony. Chief Titus Eze, representative of the Ndi-igbo community affirmed that Sapele is a place of opportunity, he expressed his appreciation to the Orodje for his genuine concern.

The chairman,Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Sapele chapter, called for intensified efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal cartels in Sapele, while the representative of the Yoruba community spoke on the need for responsible behavior from certain leaders within the community.

A unifying statement came from the representative of the Arewa community, Alhaji Tanimu Adamu acknowledging the historical peace in Sapele and pledging the community's commitment to restoring and maintaining the town's peaceful ambiance.

Representatives from the various security agencies emphasized on the importance of collaboration and timely information, they appealed to residents to assist them by sharing useful and timely information with security personnel, while assuring them that their identity will be kept confidential, they reassured the attendees that the security agencies were readily available to provide protection and urged the community to promptly report any suspicious activities.

The meeting concluded as a pivotal platform for leaders and stakeholders to address the pressing issue of insecurity in Sapele. It showcased the commitment of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom to restore peace and foster unity among its people. The resounding message was that collective action, community engagement, and a comprehensive security strategy would pave the way for a brighter and more secure future for Sapele and its inhabitants.