By Victor Bieni
WARRI-DELTA STATE- The National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade has commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for initiating the move to create an Independent internal security outfit named “Operation Delta Hawk” to secure the lives and property of Deltans, especially those in areas prone to famers/herdsmen clashes.
Comrade Mulade who disclosed this to newsmen in Warri Delta State said, the establishment of such a security outfit to protect the lives of the people was long overdue judging from the barbaric manner in which armed herdsmen are attacking innocent crop farmers in the State.
The Activist who expressed worry over the high rate of incessant killing, robbery, kidnapping and rape by herdsmen, Chief Mulade said those to be engaged in the security outfit should be selected based on experience and ability to be developed through more training and supply of adequate materials to enable them checkmate the herdsmen and others who may pose as security threats.
Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade applauded the Delta State Government Initiative which he said was on Tuesday May 19, through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie announced that the State had begun moves to establish a security force to check the rising spate of insecurity in the State.
The birth of the Security Initiative recently was announced during a news conference in Government House, Asaba, he stated that the proposed security outfit would be christened “Operation Delta Hawk.”
In his words: “The Bill should be sent to the State House of Assembly shortly to give the outfit a legal backing to enable it deal with the security challenges in the State”.
“The independent Joint Security Taskforce will consist of personnel drawn from the existing security structure in the State, and will work in collaboration with community vigilante groups for more effective service delivery”.
“I appreciate Dr. Okowa for his initiative to establish Operation Delta Hawk, Chief Mulade said the outfit would provide jobs for many Deltans, and by Implimentation, reduce the crime rate as well as unnecessary community clashes in the State”.
” I therefore charged all Local Govt Chairmen and Ward Councillors, community leaders, youths, women, corporate organizations, traditional rulers amongst others to support the arrangement for a win win situation in the State, especially with the Local Government elections now at the corner”.
