*To Establish Anioma Security Network
By Eseoghene Emuke
Irked by the continued attacks and kidnappings by suspected herdsmen on farmers and other residents, the forum of Anioma Traditional Rulers of Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State have given armed bearing herdsmen quit notice to immediately vacate their land.
The traditional rulers also directed communities in the senatorial district to reactivate all community based security networks to curtail activities of rampaging herdsmen in Delta State especially in the Delta North region.
The monarchs, who described the activities of some arms wielding herdsmen who turned out to be terrorizing their host, said the order to vacate the region was for the ‘killer herdsmen’ own interest.
The Anioma royal father reached the decision at an enlarged meeting of members of the Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum held at the Palace of the Obi of Owa , HRM Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor ll, which was also attended by community leaders and other critical stakeholders in the area.
Reading the position of the monarchs in a communiqué issued at the end of the security meeting, the State Chairman of Delta State Forum of Traditional Rulers, HRM Efeizomor ll, decried the incessant attacks on communities in area.
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The meeting attended by the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi 1 and other traditional rulers, Local Government Council Chairmen, Community leaders, President Generals, Youth Leaders and Vigilante Groups from the district.
Efeizomor ll on behalf of the monarchs decried the unwholesome activities of arms bearing herdsmen who have turned various communities into a theatre of war.
They condemned in strong terms the unprovoked attacks on rural dwellers and wanton destructions of farmlands and economic life wire of the people.
They contended that the conventional security architecture has failed in protecting the lives of the people in various communities and called on all to rise to the occasion by ensuring that everybody was protected from unwarranted attacks.
The traditional rulers equally expressed concern over the poor handling of the security situation by the federal government and advocated for immediate action to address the deteriorating situation in the country.
Delta North Traditional Rulers further warned that the peaceful disposition of the people should not be taken as act of cowardice warning that any further attack on any part of Delta North will not be taken likely by the people.
The monarchs called on the people to be extra vigilant and be more conscious of their security saying that there was need to commence documentation of all motorcycles otherwise known as Okadas and Keke riders in urban and rural centres in the district because of their alleged connivance in security breaches.
According to it, “Communities should beef up security outfits, traditional vigilante groups, hunters and other local security outfits. They should work together for effective policing.
“We observed that there is connivance of hoodlums in the communities with some of these unscrupulous elements who partner to unleash mayhem in our communities hence there is need for vigilance.”
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While thanking vigilante groups for their contributions so far in the maintenance of law and order they disclosed that there was need to screen them as some of them may sabotage the security plans.
“The forum advocates a uniform Anioma Security Network to withstand these incessant attacks in our communities.
“There should be proper screening of vigilante members to avert appointment of persons with questionable characters to secure our domains”, the communiqué reads.
The monarchs also congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on his selection as the chairman of South South Governors’ Forum.
The kings commended Governor Okowa for championing peace and development of the state and pledged their total support to his administration.
