The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has called on all 25 Local Government Chairmen in the state to take greater ownership of security in their communities, warning that violent crimes remain disproportionately high in rural, riverine, and suburban areas.
Oyeniyi made the call Thursday during a strategic meeting with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State Chapter, themed “Rural Policing: The Role of Local Administrators.”
The Commissioner identified kidnapping, cult violence, communal conflicts, murder, and land disputes as crimes most concentrated in hard-to-reach communities, where criminal elements exploit difficult terrain, weak local intelligence, and youth unemployment. He also flagged illicit drug abuse, cultism, and internet fraud as key drivers of violent crime across the state.
“Sustainable security cannot be achieved by the Police alone,” Oyeniyi said, stressing that local government councils, as the tier of government closest to the people, are best positioned to detect emerging threats and mobilise communities.
He called for regular security engagements involving Divisional Police Officers, traditional rulers, and youth and religious leaders, as well as stronger regulation of vigilante groups, youth empowerment programmes, and increased community policing support.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Attorney-General Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), and Director-General for Security Matters, Hon. David Tonwe. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also made a brief appearance, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to collaborative security efforts.
During an interactive session, chairmen highlighted specific security challenges in their areas and discussed ways to improve intelligence sharing with security agencies.
In his closing remarks, Oyeniyi disclosed that tactical teams have been deployed across all 25 local government areas to boost visibility, policing and response times.
He also urged chairmen to improve security around schools, worship centres, and other public facilities, and to keep emergency contact numbers accessible for prompt intervention. #Securitynewsalert.com
