Insecurity: ‘We’re Tired of Rhetoric,’ DOPF Urges Southern Governors to Take Drastic Measures

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), has challenged governors of Southern Nigeria to take their role as Chief Security Officers seriously and address the escalating security crisis in the geographical zone urgently.

DOPF, in a joint statement by its chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, and secretary, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, on Tuesday, worried by the growing wave of kidnappings, violence, and murders in Southern Nigeria, stated that the security situation has deteriorated to a crisis level, and the ongoing silence or inaction from the Southern governors can no longer be tolerated.

“We strongly appeal to the governors of Southern Nigeria to take their constitutional responsibility as Chief Security Officers seriously and act promptly to address the existential threat facing our people,” the statement read.

The Forum invoked the Land Use Act which grants governors control over land and urged them to act decisively to protect their constituents from ongoing violence affecting their ancestral lands.

“It is essential for our leaders to prioritize the safety of lives and property over political interests,” the statement further read.

They referenced the recent statement made by the Emir of Muri in Taraba State, HRH Abbas Njidda Tafida, who gave a 30-day ultimatum for Fulani herdsmen to leave the area due to repeated kidnappings and killings allegedly linked to them. The Emir questioned why Southern governors show leniency towards the herdsmen.

“We urge the governors to emulate the strong stance taken by the Emir of Muri, who expressed frustration in a viral video, asking, ‘If people in the North can demand their departure, why are Southerners treating them with leniency?’ This is a critical question for the Southern governors to consider and act upon urgently.”

While advocating for cooperation with traditional rulers and community leaders, DOPF cautioned that only those proven to be committed to peace should be involved, as some traditional rulers have been implicated in protecting criminal elements.

“Intelligence reports have implicated some traditional rulers in the past for harbouring and shielding some criminal elements. Governors must not shy away from acting against such betrayal of public trust”.

They also noted a recent incident in Uromi, Edo State, where violence led to the deaths of 16 individuals due to tensions with suspected herders, adding that this tragic outcome reflects a growing public distrust in governmental protection.

They contended that similar fears are affecting Delta State, where farmers are abandoning their fields due to safety concerns, resulting in food insecurity and loss of livelihoods.

“We also draw attention to the recent incident in Uromi, Edo State, where 16 persons were tragically killed following rising tensions between residents and suspected criminal herders. Such avoidable bloodshed is often the result of citizens losing faith in government to protect them. Similar fear has gripped parts of Delta State, where many farmers have abandoned their farms out of fear of attacks, leading to food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods. These tragic events are calls to action, not just mere rhetoric”

DOPF reminded the Southern governors that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed state governor in a directive to the Governor of Plateau State, to take responsibility for security within their jurisdictions and employ all lawful measures to ensure peace.

The Forum insists that this directive should be applied to Southern Nigeria as well, stressing that the time for mere statements has passed.

“We reiterate for the purpose of driving the point home that Governors must take note that the primary purpose of government is not to compromise on the sacrosanct responsibility of protection of the life and property of the people and providing for their welfare.

“The President’s directive must therefore be followed and enforced in the South. The time for rhetoric is over; our people deserve peace, protection, and purposeful governance”, the statement added.