The Director General of the Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency, Mr. Patrick Uka, has assured residents that Asaba remains one of the safest places in Nigeria despite concerns that criminals fleeing Anambra State may seek refuge in the Delta State capital.
The recent arrest of six suspects linked to the killing of a lawmaker in Anambra had heightened security fears in Asaba and the Capital Territory.
Speaking during a post-executive council briefing in Asaba on Thursday, Uka acknowledged the fears raised by residents following Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s renewed crackdown on criminals.
He however maintained that security forces in Delta State are proactive and fully capable of maintaining law and order.
“First and foremost, security is not something that you just bring to the level of the MDAs. But having experienced the Security Council before now, I have a very good relationship with the security heads in the state,” Uka stated.
He disclosed that he had already engaged with top security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the army, to address concerns about possible spillover of criminal activities into Asaba and its environs.
“I read that message. I saw it circulating on social media, and I took it up with both the police, DSS, and the army. But just to allay your fears, first and foremost, Asaba, or the capital territory, is like a safe haven. Most of these criminals you see coming, they thought that this is the only place where they are safe. Psychologically, it is difficult for them to really operate in the environment where they stay,” he explained.
Uka also pointed to recent successful operations by security agencies as proof of their effectiveness in tackling crime. He referenced the arrest of a notorious criminal in Ogbuli, Ibusa, who had been terrorizing Imo State.
“You remember one that was caught, that was terrorizing Imo. He was caught in Ogbuli, in Ibusa. And he was just a normal boy living with everybody. But they picked him up as soon as the information came,” he said.
Furthermore, Uka highlighted the recent apprehension of six suspects involved in the killing of an Anambra State House of Assembly member, noting that they were captured in Asaba through the efforts of Delta State security forces.
“The other people that murdered the House of Assembly member, the six of them were caught. And they were caught here, not that the army or police from Anambra came in here to do it,” he clarified.
Uka reassured residents that security agencies remain vigilant and are working in collaboration to prevent crime in the capital territory.
“So in the words of the DSS and the police and the DG security, they are on top of it. We should just be relaxed and go about our activities,” he said.
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However, he urged residents to remain cautious and proactive in security matters.
“But definitely, the fact that Jesus Christ walked on water does not mean you just go and attempt it. So we should also be very cautious,” he warned.
To enhance security, Uka encouraged residents to report suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.
“The best form of security is that you should be your brother’s keeper. Watch over your brother. When you see anything that you are not sure of, just give information. Then it’s left to us to follow up and come to your rescue,” he advised.
He assured that the government remains committed to keeping Asaba safe.
“But so far, I think we can still say that the capital territory is about the safest in Nigeria. And we pray that that safety will continue to be that way. But I can assure you that I’ve taken note of what you said. We will continue to follow up with those who are concerned to make sure that we still keep this place very safe,” Uka stated.
