The former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Chief Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay, has strongly condemned the senseless killing of Mercy Odhegba, a point-of-sale (POS) operator murdered by unidentified gunmen in Warri, Delta State. The tragic incident has sparked fresh outrage across the region and renewed calls for urgent security reforms.
During a condolence visit to the grieving family, Chief Macaulay, who also holds the traditional title of Okiroro of Isoko Nation, emphasized the urgent need for community policing as a frontline strategy to combat rising insecurity in local communities. He urged the leadership of Owhelogbo community, where the victim hailed from, to take decisive steps to halt the wave of violence that has been threatening the peace and stability of the area.
Expressing deep concern over the spate of killings, Macaulay noted that the Owhelogbo community alone has witnessed three separate murders within the last eight months. He described the trend as alarming and unacceptable, warning that the lives of innocent residents remain at risk if nothing is done immediately.
He convened a meeting with key community stakeholders including youth leaders, clergymen, and traditional heads, urging both spiritual and traditional responses to tackle the escalating insecurity. He called for intensified prayers and the deployment of local intelligence networks to detect and prevent crimes before they occur.
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“This is heartbreaking. Within just eight months, we’ve recorded three killings. Tomorrow, it could be anyone else. We must act fast to end this nightmare,” Macaulay said. “The security of our community is a collective responsibility. We must not leave it to the police or vigilantes alone.”
He encouraged landlords and local leaders to be vigilant and monitor individuals residing in their compounds. Suspicious activities, he said, must be reported promptly to security operatives to enable swift action.
Chief Macaulay concluded by appealing for unity, vigilance, and active cooperation among residents to ensure that Owhelogbo and neighboring communities are safe for everyone. His message has further amplified the call for grassroots security solutions in the face of growing violence across Delta State.
