Jeddo community in Okpe local government area of Delta State has cried out over the spate of repeated armed robbery attacks and kidnapping in the community.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the leadership of the community especially called on the State and federal governments to intervene over the insecurity situation in the community.
Mr George Owarume, Chairman of the community made the call on Friday, following the killing of the community vigilante commander, Mr Jude Akieru by unknown gunmen.
Mr Owarume lamented that there are several security posts around the community but that unknown gunmen continue to wreak havoc unabated within the community.
“Jeddo is a peaceful community. It is sad that we are experiencing this insecurity situation. Our people have suffered from kidnapping to incessant armed robbery attacks.
“Today we lost the community vigilante commander, Mr Jude Akieru. This is not the first time we have lost a person to armed robbery attacks. It is getting out of hand already. With what we witnessed today, we need government intervention.
“We as a community, we are under the Orerokpe Police Division. Jeddo is far away from Orerokpe. If anything is going on here, before help comes from there, it usually takes time.
“We have naval officers, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and army stationed in our community, but everyday we live in fear over insecurity. When we run to the Navy, they tell us they are not stationed in the community for the reason of the community.
“When we run to the red beret (referring to the CTU), they tell us they are for counter terrorism. When we go to the army, they tell us they are sent to protect pipelines only.
“So, we are left helpless. We are in dire need of intervention from the government. We need security presence in our community before things get totally out of hand,” Mr Owarume said.
TNG had earlier reported how Mr Akieru, the community vigilante commander, was attacked and killed by yet to be identified gunmen.
The killing of the community vigilante commander sparked unrest in the community, leaving motorists and residents stranded.
It was learnt that it took the intervention of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Orerokpe Police Division, SP Ojo Oluwole and his men to bring the situation under control.
Addressing the community, Oluwole assured the killers of Mr Akieru would be brought to book. The DPO said immediately he got wind of the incident, he mobilized his men to the community, but regretted that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were not immediately apprehended.
While appealing to leaders and residents of Jeddo community to volunteer intelligence to enhance investigation of the matter, Oluwole said investigation had already commenced on the matter.
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He, however, assured he will engage with the security outfits located in the community on how they can assist in providing security for the community.
Oluwole revealed that a security summit would be held with the Jeddo community leaders and key stakeholders of the community to find lasting solutions to the persisting insecurity in the community.