State police will strengthen community-based security -- Ifeajika
By Ifeanyi Olannye
Akwukwu-Igbo(Delta) - Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the Executive Assistant to Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment(Projects and Policies) on Saturday hailed the National Assembly for the passage of the bill on the establishment of State Police.
He noted that if necessary legal framework comes into effect, the states government would fully key in to strengthen community-based security and improve crime prevention across the country.
Ifeajika, who was addressing newsmen at the end of a 2-Day Security Workshop being organised by the Oshimili North Local Government Council at Akwukwu-Igbo, said it was timely given the passage of the State Police bill by the National Assembly.
He lauded the Oshimili North Council Chairman, Chief Innocent Esewezie, for establishing a Security Watch(Vigilantes) and for organizing the security summit to train them.
He described Esewezie's action as a timely initiative aimed at addressing present security challenges.
The governor's aide said that the workshop was put together to trained the already profiled personnel drawn from the the various communities aimed at laying a solid foundation for a safer and more secure future in the local government area.
Ifeajika said that Delta government has already began the process of laying the foundation for state policing through existing security initiatives such as Operation Delta Sweep and other community-based security structures.
According to him, the state government is fully prepared to implement state policing once the necessary legal framework comes into effect, stressing that the initiative would empower local communities to take ownership of their security.
He noted that the Oshimili North Security Watch has been established as a proactive measure in line with the emerging state policing framework.
He disclosed that hundreds of homegrown security personnel would be recruited to serve as the eyes and ears of their communities.
He explained that beyond monthly stipends, the recruits would benefit from health insurance and life assurance packages to motivate them and provide adequate welfare, considering the risks associated with protecting lives and property.
The executive assistant to the governor, said the incentives would ensure that the volunteers remain committed to safeguarding residents while enjoying access to medical care and insurance coverage in the event of any unfortunate incident.
Ifeajika also expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly the local consumption of cannabis sativa in Oshimili North, describing it as a major security challenge requiring collective action.
He emphasised that security was the responsibility of everyone, noting that government alone could not provide security personnel for every home and community.
He, therefore, urged residents to actively support security agencies by remaining vigilant and providing useful information that would help prevent crime.
Ifeajika reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots security through collaboration with communities and other stakeholders.
The event was attended by the top government officials in the state and LGA, traditional rulers, officers of security agencies, elders and youths from the area.
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