Deltans Life Matters, a political pressure group committed to public safety and accountability, has urged the Delta State Government to strengthen security across the state before intensifying efforts to attract investors.
The group made the call in a statement issued by its Global Coordinator, Commr. Mamuzo Gabriel, stressing that no meaningful investment drive can thrive in an environment where insecurity persists.
The caution comes barely days after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori appealed to local and diaspora investors to take advantage of Delta’s improving socio-economic climate, declaring that “the time to invest in Delta State is now.”
While acknowledging the Governor’s efforts, particularly the recent commissioning of the Swiss International Rancho Valerie Hotel in Ubeji, Warri South, where he also ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the Ubeji/Egbokodo/Refinery Road, the group insisted that security must remain the first priority.
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Deltans Life Matters commended the state government for areas of progress, especially the Security Trust Fund Raising Event held at Government House, Asaba, which drew massive contributions running into billions of naira from private individuals, banks, and oil companies. However, it raised critical questions on transparency and efficiency.
According to the group, Deltans are concerned about how the state’s monthly security vote of over ₦2 billion is being utilised and why the deployment of newly raised funds appears slow despite rising cases of kidnapping, armed attacks, and other violent crimes.
It pointed to recent disturbing incidents—including the Koka/Wazobia Market attack where traders were assaulted by armed youths—and reports that forests in Oko-Amakum, Onicha-Ugbo, Abavo–Oronigbe, and the Nsukwa axis are increasingly being used as criminal hideouts. The organisation insisted that these realities contradict the picture of safety required to attract and reassure investors.
To address the situation, Deltans Life Matters called on Governor Oborevwori to urgently convene a comprehensive security meeting involving advisers on intelligence, executive and senior assistants, community president-generals, registered security outfits, and youth leaders, noting that these grassroots actors have firsthand understanding of local security dynamics.
The group also urged the government to acquire long-range surveillance drones to effectively monitor difficult terrains and to strengthen support for security expert Harrison Gwanisu and his team, whom it described as instrumental in intelligence gathering and field operations.
Commr. Gabriel stressed that Deltans deserve a peaceful festive season and should not live in fear of criminals taking control of communities. He reaffirmed the group’s readiness to support government initiatives where progress is evident while continuing to demand accountability and urgent action where gaps remain.
According to him, prioritising security is not only essential for public safety but also the most effective foundation for any sustainable investment drive.
