By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, describing security as the foremost responsibility of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated this during an interview on the outcome of the Security Stakeholders Summit held in Asaba.
Aniagwu said the summit was convened to strengthen collaboration between security agencies, government institutions and community stakeholders across the state, noting that effective intelligence gathering remains critical to combating insecurity.
He said security chiefs at the summit commended Governor Oborevwori for consistently supporting security agencies with the resources and logistics needed to effectively discharge their duties across Delta State.
He noted that “His Excellency believes that beyond empowering security agencies with the necessary equipment and facilities, there is also a need to build stronger synergy between security agencies and the people.”
The Commissioner explained that information provided by residents forms the basis of intelligence used by security operatives to prevent and respond to security threats.
He also noted that the summit brought together representatives of traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups, youth bodies, market women and other community leaders to foster closer cooperation with security agencies.
“This kind of interaction makes it possible for community leaders and residents to inform security agencies about developments in their various communities, while also gaining insight into the efforts being made by security agencies to maintain peace and security,” he said.
While describing the gathering as a platform that created a “marriage” between government, security agencies and communities, resulting in a more effective and mutually beneficial relationship in intelligence sharing and crime prevention.
He disclosed that the government is determined to take security management a step further by building trust between security operatives and community leaders, in addition to providing operational support.
The commissioner also highlighted the importance of local vigilante groups in strengthening surveillance and intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.
According to him, the state government recognises the critical role vigilantes play and is committed to empowering them to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.
On the implementation of resolutions reached at the summit, Aniagwu said the government would establish feedback mechanisms to monitor progress and assess the effectiveness of agreed strategies.
He explained that such feedback would enable authorities to determine whether existing approaches should be strengthened or new measures introduced to address emerging security challenges.
He said “What is important is that the governor has made it very clear that the security of lives and property in Delta State is his primary responsibility, and he is not going to relent in that commitment.”
He expressed confidence that the enhanced collaboration among stakeholders would encourage communities to provide timely and credible information that security agencies can transform into actionable intelligence for the protection of residents across the state.
The summit forms part of the Oborevwori administration’s broader efforts to strengthen security architecture and promote peace, stability and sustainable development in Delta State.
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