By Anne Azuka
Following worsening insecurity in parts of Delta State, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government council, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili in collaboration with critical stakeholders has taken proactive steps to forestal security breaches, for safety of lives and protection of property with the unveiling of security short code 7745 for the general public to be aware of.
This is coming barely few days when Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, summoned critical security stakeholders, including local government council chairmen to proffer solutions to the prevailing kidnapping, armed robbery, killings, vandalism,and excessive drug abuse ravaging the state.
Governor Oborevwori had vowed to suspend any local government council chairmen that failed to convene monthly security meeting.
At the unveiling of the security code in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Chairman , Dr Kelvin Ezenyili explained that the essence was to raise security consciousness and awareness by dialing the security number to alert security agencies during emergency , and threat to safety of lives.
”This number was acquired by the Local Government Council from the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) and is to aid in the timely reporting of security threats and enable a quick response by relevant authorities to security incidents”, stated Ezenyili.
Heads of various security agencies in the local government area and the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge represented by a palace Chief , Patrick Ndili, affirmed their commitment to ensuring adequate peace and security in the area.
Earlier at a peace and security committee meeting of Oshimili South Local Government government council, held at the council Secretariat, Asaba, the council chairmen, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili, said his administration had taken some measures to boost security in the various communities in the local government area.
These , he highlighted to include creation of security trust fund, establishment of a security taskforce, purchase of security vehicles and motorbikes, installation of CCTV cameras, raiding of drugs dealers den, unveiling of new emergency security number 7745
Dr Ezenyili said, ”The safety and wellbeing of the people is a fundamental responsibility of any government and this is paramount to this administration”
”Recently we have all witnessed an increase in crime which is undoubtedly connected with the state of the economy, influx of criminals from the neighboring states and coupled with the challenges of our security infrastructure which has been a major concern of this administration right from the inception of my previous administration”
”Despite these challenges, the Oshimili South Local Government Council through periodic Peace and Security meetings and in synergy with law enforcement agencies has taken bold steps to increase security measures in key areas to prevent potential threats and breaches”
The Oshimili South Council Chairman stated further, ”With the provision of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) within the Council Secretariat, crime rato reduced drastically, this then necessitated the request for enhanced security measures within the Local Government Area considering the Councils position at the seat of the State Capital ”
”The request for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in major areas of the local government was granted approval by the Peace and Security Committee of the Local Government Council Area, and ratified by the Executive Committee of Council (EXCO). This initiative awaits certain legislative amendment to commence”
”The Council in collaboration with NDLEA and Local Vigilantes regularly conducts raids on drug dealers dens. These targeted operations are a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and ensure the safety and well-being of the Local Government Area”
Dr Ezenyili highlighted security challenges to include kidnapping for ransom, illegal arms and drug trafficking, lack of maritime policing infrastructure, inter-state and cross-border criminal movements, youth vulnerability and recruitment by criminal networks, and invasion of Oko Community by Fulani herdsmen.
Earlier in an interview with journalists, the Chairman of Oshimili South local government council Chairman , hinted that the new emergency security line 7745 is toll free, and urged members of the public to call the number only when there is potential threat to safety of lives and other security breaches.
END.
