•Present security gadgets to security personnel for effective policing
BY MATTHIAS OGBAGAH, HARVESTER OKPAKO & PATRICK SHALOM
OTU-JEREMI – MIFFED by the high rate of conflicts and crises rocking some communities of Delta State, a foundation, Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete (OERA Foundation) has organized a lecture for the Nigeria Police, Vigilantes, and community leaders on Conflict Resolution & Neighborhood Watch.
In his opening address, the Executive Director of the OERA Foundation, SPY ACP Olotu Otemu Akpodiete, said the essence of the lecture was to enhance the security personnel with profound training on crisis and conflict management skills in society, adding that it is aimed to foster a peaceful co-existence and cooperation among security personnel across various communities to combat crises in society.
While blaming the Okuama and Okoloba massacre on a lack of skills in managing perceived conflicts and crises by security personnel, he said the situation would have snowballed into a loss of lives and properties if it had been properly handled.
While emphasising the importance of training among grassroots security personnel in our societies, Dr. Akpodiete highlighted the recent scenario in Anambra State involving members of its vigilante groups that led to the beating up of a female corps member, regretting the lack of effective communication and proficient training on the part of the Vigilante groups.
Speaking to newsmen, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Otu-Jeremi, CSP Olawole Oladipupo lauded the organizers of the training programme, saying that the theme of the lecture cum training was one not lacking in content, and was a potential effort in aborting crisis in our society.
According to him, “This training will go a long way to stem crisis in our communities if the participants go back home and put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired in the lecture needed to tackle conflicts in our various communities.”
“As we all know, most of the issues we are having in Ughelli South boil down to boundary issues, land matters, and all the rest, I believe that with this programme we received today, our PGs, Vigilantes, and security personnel will be well informed and apply the knowledge gained to resolve issues in our various communities.”
CSP Oladipupo called for synergy amongst security agencies in the council area while appealing to the vigilantes to stick to minor offences, leaving criminal cases for the police to handle.
The Ughelli South council chairman, Dr Lucky Avweromre, who was represented by his Secretary, Chief John Ewenede Akaruayen, thanked the organiser for his initiative and urged cooperation among the communities’ presidents, generals, and local security agencies, and to ensure criminal reports are channeled to the appropriate authorities for action.
Meanwhile, the special guest of honour for the event, Mr. Sylvester Obose, CSS MINNIS, called for oneness between communities, asked communities to jettison the idea of retaliation and inter-community clash.
Beneficiaries eulogized the chief host for the well-impacted program aimed to reduce conflict, crisis, and crimes in society. They appealed to the public to divulge useful information to security personnel to nip crime in the bud in society.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of security gadgets to communities and security personnel for effective policing.
Among those present at the event are: President General of Owahwa Community, Evang. Shakporere David, Kaku Owhe (CSO Otu Jeremi); Ambrose Abela (Youth Leader Agbowhiame community), Dennis Edafiamredje (PG Orere community); Opheghe Israel ( PG Oginibo community), Pst. Paulins Onagba (PG Ewu–Otor).
