By Chuks Peter, DELTA |
The Delta State Government has commended the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force, Delta State Command, for the successful arrest of over 123 youths allegedly involved in internet fraud in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
Oborewori hailed the police for their commitment to curbing criminal activities, particularly cybercrime, which he described as a growing menace among youths in the state.
The State Director-General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, disclose this while speaking on the development. He called on youths to shun fraudulent activities and embrace the numerous empowerment opportunities provided by the state government.
Oghenesivbe made this appeal on Friday in Asaba while reacting to the recent arrest and parade of over 123 fraudsters by the Ekpan division of the Delta State Police Command, accused of engaging in criminal activities at a location known as Hustlers Kingdom (HK)
Oghenesivbe commended the Delta State Police Commissioner and his team for their commitment to effective policing and crime-fighting in the state, noting that the strategies employed by the command are yielding positive results towards achieving a crime-free Delta.
He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s good governance initiatives are already creating wealth for women and youths across the state, as seen in the recent empowerment of 6,020 farmers, including youths and women, through the D-CARES partnership programme.
He expressed concern over the rise in fraudulent activities among youths, stressing that the state government is determined to address the root causes of crime through good governance and robust economic programs. Oghenesivbe passionately appealed to youths to avoid social vices, including advance fee fraud, kidnapping, and prostitution, urging them to take advantage of the state’s numerous skills acquisition and agricultural programs.
“This arrest is a clear indication of the police’s dedication to making our communities safer. We will continue to support law enforcement agencies in their efforts to rid Delta State of criminal elements.”
Adding that, “Governor Oborevwori is working round the clock, creating jobs and wealth for our people, especially youths and women, under his socioeconomic remodelling strategies as captured in the MORE agenda,” Oghenesivbe said.
“In Delta, we have good stories to tell with ongoing infrastructure development and upgrades of medical facilities. Advance fee fraud, otherwise known as yahoo yahoo, is alien to us, but unfortunately, it has reared its ugly head in some parts of the state.
“The governor was deeply pained to learn that 123 youths from different parts of the country were recently arrested and paraded at Ekpan Police Station over alleged yahoo yahoo activities. This is not our character in Delta State. Illegal Hustling Kingdom (HK) is not permitted in any part of Delta State, and the police are on top of the matter. More of such criminal hideouts will be rooted out,” Oghenesivbe stated.
He further highlighted that the governor has approved the Drug-Free Delta (DFD) campaign through the State Orientation and Communications Bureau to combat the influence of hard and illicit drugs linked to crime and social vices. The initiative, according to Oghenesivbe, aims to reduce criminal activities and promote attitudinal change among youths.
“I commend the Commissioner of Police and officers of the state command for their patriotism, commitment, and proactive steps in fighting crime. Delta is not, and will never be, home to criminal elements and hardened hustlers. Those in illegal businesses like yahoo, kidnapping, and prostitution should change and embrace the government’s efforts in wealth and job creation. After all, there is dignity in genuine labour,” he said.
Oghenesivbe concluded by encouraging youths to associate with peers of high moral discipline and embrace the opportunities provided by Governor Oborevwori’s administration. Saying, “The governor wants our youths to fulfill their individual destinies. They must connect with people of high moral values and seize the numerous opportunities available to them,” he added.