The National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief 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.

Speaking in Warri on Wednesday May 20, 2020, Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, described the outfit as a welcome development. He 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.

Worried 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.

News Express reports that the Delta State Government 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 SSG made this known in Asaba at a news conference, saying that the proposed security outfit would be christened ‘Operation Delta Hawk.’

He added that a bill would 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.

While appreciating Dr. Okowa for his initiative to establish Operation Delta Hawk, 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.

Mulade 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.

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