Delta plans fresh strategies against kidnapping

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

Delta State Government has deployed a multi-pronged security strategy aimed at addressing cases of insecurity and other violent crimes in the state, a statement in Asaba said on Thursday.

The statement quoted the Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as saying this  while declaring open a meeting of Federal and States’ Security Administrators.

Uduaghan, whose address was read by his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, explained that the three-point agenda of peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development  of his administration were “informed by the realisation that sustainable development is impossible in an atmosphere of insecurity and chaos.”

He said, “We are developing infrastructure and evolving programmes that will engage our youths to make crime unattractive to young people. The objective is to reduce crime and youth restiveness to create a conducive environment for development.

“Youths in the state receive empowerment packages through the Micro-Credit Scheme, Skills Acquisition Programme and Youth Empowerment through Agriculture Programme of the state government among others.

“Other concrete steps taken by my administration to ensure security of life and property in the state include the installation of hybrid communication equipment at the State Police Headquarters, which enables the various security agencies to link up with each other during emergencies, donation of sixty Hilux pick-up vans and communication equipment to the police.”

He added that the state government has also donated other sets of operational vehicles to security agencies and paramilitary bodies. He said, “This is part of measures designed to fight the scourge of crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery.

“Traditional and religious leaders, chiefs, youth leaders, market women and security agencies are being engaged in conflict resolution and promotion of peace.

“As a State Government we have continued to confront headlong, the issue of insecurity in order to ensure enduring peace in the state.

“The State Security Council meets weekly to deal with matters of security concern. This body is replicated at the senatorial districts and local government levels.”

PUNCH