By Hezekiah Ovedhe
Delta Youths under the auspices of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, (Youth Wing, Worldwide) has called on the federal government to look at the plight of Nigerians as hunger is in the land which is the reason for increase in the rate of crime in the country just as it disassociated itself from the proposed nationwide protest as a result of the hardship blowing across the country. In a communiqué signed by the National President, “Osu re Ighele”, Activist Blessed Ughere, said Urhobo youths would not be party to the proposed protest.
The communiqué read in parts: “Given the current security challenges affecting Delta Central (Urhobo Nation) and Urhobos in other parts of Delta State, we firmly believe that engaging in protests now would be counterproductive. Therefore, we categorically state that we will not support any form of protest across Urhobo land in Delta State by any group or individuals. Engaging in such protests risks exacerbating the existing security challenges in the country, creating opportunities for criminal elements to exploit innocent citizens and instigate further chaos. We appeal to all concerned groups and individuals to refrain from organizing any protests within any Urhobo kingdom in Delta State.
“We also urge all Urhobo sons and daughters, as well as residents in Urhobo land, to boycott the proposed protest. The Urhobo youth leader said they were in touch with the Delta State Government on the spate of insecurity in the state and in Urhobo land in particular. On the issue of insecurity, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing Worldwide is currently in discussions with the Delta State Government.
“We have made recommendations for the establishment of permanent military checkpoints in key areas to help mitigate the security challenges in the state. We hereby call on all citizens to be cautious, vigilant, and alert while accessing areas that require urgent security attention, especially Egbo, along the Agbarho-Ughelli Road, and the Ughelli-Patani Highway, among others. We urge leaders and other stakeholders in the region to join hands in assisting our security agencies to maintain law and order, which are imperative for prosperity, peace, and progress of the state and country.”