Isoko North Boss Bans Illegal Vigilante Group, Imposes Curfew on Commercial Motorcycle

In a decisive move to strengthen security across Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, the Executive Chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, has ordered security agencies to immediately clamp down on all illegal vigilante and unauthorized security outfits operating within the council area.

The council chairman, also imposed a 10:00 p.m. daily curfew on commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations as part of measures to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.

The directives were announced over the weekend during a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting convened by the chairman and attended by traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, community leaders, political stakeholders, and representatives of youth and women groups.

Addressing the gathering, Ogorugba reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and every other form of criminality, stressing that the security of lives and property remains his administration’s foremost priority.

The council chairman emphasized that the fight against insecurity requires a coordinated approach and called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents to improve intelligence gathering and ensure prompt responses to emerging security threats.

While urging traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure that all vigilante personnel operating within their communities are properly recruited, adequately profiled, and allowed to function strictly within the provisions of the law, Ogorugba warned that security agencies have been directed to identify and dismantle any unauthorized group operating under the guise of vigilante or volunteer security services, stating that such groups pose a serious threat to public safety and would no longer be tolerated.

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As part of the new security measures, Ogorugba announced that all commercial motorcycle operators in Isoko North Local Government Area must end their daily operations by 10:00 p.m., with immediate effect, warning that any rider found operating beyond the approved time would be arrested, while the motorcycle involved would be impounded.

According to the chairman, the restriction is aimed at curbing the activities of criminal elements who often exploit commercial motorcycles to perpetrate crimes under the cover of darkness.

Describing security as a collective responsibility, Ogorugba appealed to residents to remain vigilant, volunteer credible and timely information to security agencies, and support ongoing efforts to safeguard lives, property, and public peace.

“I want to urge political leaders and other critical stakeholders to put aside partisan interests and unite against criminality, insecurity affects everyone irrespective of political affiliation.
My administration’s determination is to provide a safe and secure environment that will promote peace, economic growth, and sustainable development in Isoko North, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the MORE Agenda of the Delta State Government.”, Ogorugba stated.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1, commended the council chairman for convening the security meeting, describing the initiative as timely and proactive and pledged the continued support and cooperation of traditional rulers toward strengthening community-based security and preserving peace across the local government area.

The meeting was attended by traditional rulers from across Isoko North, senior government officials, community Presidents-General, political leaders, heads of security agencies, and representatives of youth and women organizations, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to ensure lasting peace and security throughout the council area.

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