It is no longer news that Nigeria as a nation is currently faced with a serious security challenge. It is also of considerable importance to this editorial comment to underline that Delta as a state is not insulated from this present challenge posed by criminal elements in the country.
In fact, it got to a saddening/tragic situation in the State on the 10th December, 2020, when little children, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, shunned school for fear of being kidnapped, twenty-four hours after two teachers from Ohorhe Secondary School in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State were abducted by suspected kidnappers who came in an SUV and dressed in military camouflage,
It was this state of affairs and other ugly instances in the past that informed the celebration that greeted the inauguration of “Operation Delta Hawk”, a new security outfit floated by the Delta State Government to enhance security of lives and property, can fittingly be described as welcoming.
While inaugurating the new security outfit at its official headquarters in Asaba, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa among other remarks stated that “Operation Delta Hawk” was a proactive step towards checkmating insecurity in all parts of the State headlong, stressing that the challenge of insecurity was already taking an alarming dimension.
Noting that security operatives in the State have given their best in the fight against cultism, herders/farmers clashes, kidnapping, armed robbery and other heinous crimes. The Operation Delta Hawk which consisted of different security agencies and vigilante groups would assist in flushing out criminal elements and criminality in the State, the Governor concluded.
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From Mr. Governor’s speech quoted above, what the Ika Weekly Newspaper essentially thinks is that the state government is set out to achieve this but a situation whereby the entire Deltans will be adequately protected and a just society where government and its agencies would be held accountable for their actions.
The latest development indeed, reflects a government that recognizes the fact that provision of security and pursuit of economic welfare of citizens is the only two constitutional responsibilities of the State which all leaders must achieve.
Again, while we commend the Governor Okowa led administration for this feat achieved and congratulates all Deltans on this particular development, Ika Weekly Newspaper, however, urges the Governor to take proactive steps that will assist the security outfit to live up to its name and responsibility by getting it well funded, well equipped and well-staffed with personnel experienced in working out synergy among the security agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting banditry/criminality in the State.