By Samuel Ogude
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across the state, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other criminal activities.
The union made its position known in a communiqué issued after its monthly Congress held on Tuesday, June 23, at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba. The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, Comrade Andy Emephia; Secretary, Comrade Mrs. Chissy Awunor; Comrade Egufe Yafugborhi, member and Acting Secretary of the NUJ Delta State Council, Josephine Omodior.
The Congress called on the Delta State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, intensify intelligence-led operations, and deepen community policing initiatives to effectively tackle the growing security challenges. According to the union, the prevailing insecurity poses a serious threat to residents, including journalists, making it increasingly difficult for media practitioners to carry out their constitutional responsibilities. It stressed that improved security would restore public confidence and guarantee the safety of lives and property.
On the enforcement of the Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Law, 2021, which prohibits open grazing, Congress expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as weak implementation of the law. The union noted that the poor enforcement has continued to threaten peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, endanger agricultural productivity, and undermine food security. It therefore urged law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to strictly enforce the law without fear or favour.
Congress also condemned the harassment and extortion of traders and market women by individuals posing as revenue collectors and task force operatives. It maintained that only duly authorised government revenue agents operating with official documentation and approved government payment channels have the legal authority to collect revenue.
The union called on market associations, the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and security agencies to protect traders from exploitation and ensure that local government councils neither encourage nor tolerate such illegal activities. However, Congress commended the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, for his proactive efforts in apprehending and exposing fake task force operators, urging other local government councils to emulate his example.
Similarly, the Congress condemned the activities of illegal local government task forces operating on federal roads, where they allegedly harass and extort motorists. It described such practices as illegal taxation that obstructs commerce and investment and violate constitutional provisions regulating the powers of local governments.
The union particularly referenced reports from Udu Local Government Area, where such activities allegedly continue despite claims that they are not officially sanctioned. It therefore called for the immediate disbandment of all illegal road task forces and urged relevant authorities to prosecute offenders.
The Congress also frowned at the arbitrary and unauthorised levies allegedly imposed on pupils, students, and their parents in public schools under the guise of payments for desks and infrastructure. While commending the Commissioner for Primary Education for his prompt intervention, the union urged him to thoroughly investigate the allegations and sanction anyone found culpable. It further recommended that all approved school levies be publicly displayed and made accessible to parents and guardians to eliminate ambiguity and prevent exploitation.
Other issues discussed at the Congress included the proliferation of substandard and unauthorised billboards and signages across major cities such as Asaba, Warri, and Effurun; the misuse and congestion of flyovers by makeshift traders, commercial tricycle operators, and street hawkers; poor implementation of government summit resolutions; and the increasing influx of undocumented migrants into parts of the state, particularly Asaba.
The Congress called on the relevant government agencies to address these challenges through effective policy implementation and enforcement. The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government, institutions, and other stakeholders in promoting good governance, public safety, accountability, and sustainable development in Delta State.
The union also pledged to continue monitoring developments across the state and to hold public office holders and institutions accountable in the overall interest of the people of Delta State.