Akpovoke Otiti

Former Delta State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, has issued a strong condemnation of the Delta State security agencies, accusing them of negligence and complicity in the face of rising insecurity and violence across the state. He specifically questioned the inaction of the Delta State Police Commissioner, Area Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) regarding recent high profile violent incidents.

Prof. Muoboghare referenced the brutal killing of Citizen Jerry in Agbasa, an incident widely circulated on social media, yet, to date, no arrests have been made. He expressed dismay that despite the availability of viral videos clearly showing the faces of the alleged perpetrators, the police have yet to act. “The police are being accused of complicity. Individuals committed these crimes, not the Itsekiri nation,” he stressed.

He also raised alarm over the destruction of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) properties in Okere-Urhobo, questioning why the individuals responsible, who were also captured on video, still walk freely. “What has the police done to the man who destroyed UPU house? What about those who shot at Agbasa? What about the man who killed Jerry?” he asked.

Drawing attention to the tragic killing of another Urhobo indigene in Uwheru over a month ago, Prof. Muoboghare questioned the police’s inability or unwillingness to apprehend suspects. He warned that such silence and inaction by security agencies only fuel the perception that law enforcement may be enabling or even collaborating with the criminals.

Muoboghare passionately warned the youth not to fall into what he called “a dangerous trap.” According to him, “This is not in our favour. It will never be in our favour. It is our money they are using against us, money we do not have. We are poor farmers. Fulani herdsmen will kill, and the police will watch. Everything seems programmed against the oppressed.”

He stressed that the current crisis is not about ethnicity but about justice and rule of law. He urged all Deltans not to turn against their neighbors. “We have intermarried deeply; our nieces and nephews are in different communities. Can we truly open fire on them?” he asked rhetorically. He reminded the public of the Aladja vs. Ogbe Ijaw conflict, warning that no one wants a repeat of such bloodshed.

On the issue of the UPU signboard vandalism, Prof. Muoboghare said the Urhobo people are law-abiding and have chosen to take the matter to court rather than retaliate. “We are waiting to meet the person who destroyed our properties in court. Urhobo people are too educated to be deceived into violence,” he said, noting that many Urhobo are lawyers even before becoming students.

He expressed deep disappointment in the continued detention of Urhobo youths since the Okuama massacre, stating that the people have chosen peace over war, despite widespread provocation. “Even while our people are being held in military custody, against the law, we have remained silent, not out of fear or laziness, but out of wisdom and discipline,” he noted.

Prof. Muoboghare concluded by referencing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent remark: “If you want to fight, wait till after 2031.” He argued that many Deltans misunderstood the governor’s statement, which was actually a firm warning that any attempt to incite violence in the state will be dealt with decisively. “We are recovering from the Okuama destruction. Now, they want to push us into another war? No!” he said firmly.

In his remarks, he demanded answers from the police, asking: “Where are the arrests? Where is justice for Jerry, for Uwheru, for UPU? If the Police Commissioner finds Delta State too complex to handle, then he should step aside. We are a peaceful people, and we intend to remain that way.”