Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called for a united and sustained effort against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, stressing that the responsibility of securing lives and property should not be left solely in the hands of government and security agencies. The governor made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at the Delta State Security Summit 2026 held at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s media office on Thursday, the summit, which was themed “Security: A Collective Responsibility,” brought together key stakeholders from across the state, including security chiefs, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, as well as representatives of the business community.
Addressing participants at the gathering, Oborevwori emphasized that security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, social development and political stability are built. He noted that no meaningful progress could be achieved in an environment plagued by fear, violence and uncertainty.
The governor said the increasing sophistication of criminal activities across the country demands a coordinated response from all segments of society, adding that communities must become active partners in the fight against insecurity. “Security is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective duty that requires the active participation of every citizen, community leader, traditional institution, civil society group and private sector stakeholder,” he said.
According to Oborevwori, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements often thrive in environments where communities fail to share timely information with security agencies. He therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement authorities by reporting suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.
The governor stressed that effective intelligence gathering remains one of the most powerful tools in combating crime and maintaining peace. He noted that local communities are often the first to notice unusual movements and activities, making their cooperation indispensable to security operations.
Oborevwori further stated that the Delta State Government has continued to invest significantly in strengthening security architecture across the state through the provision of operational vehicles, communication equipment and logistical support to security agencies. He said the administration remains committed to creating a safe and secure environment where businesses can thrive and citizens can pursue their daily activities without fear.
The governor highlighted the link between security and development, noting that investors are more likely to establish businesses and create jobs in areas where peace and stability are guaranteed. “No society can achieve sustainable development without security. The protection of lives and property is fundamental to economic growth, social harmony and the overall well-being of our people,” he stated.
Oborevwori also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to play greater roles in conflict prevention and dispute resolution, describing them as critical partners in maintaining peace at the grassroots level. He encouraged youth groups to reject criminality and become ambassadors of peace in their respective communities.
According to him, young people must channel their energy into productive ventures that contribute positively to society rather than allowing themselves to be recruited into criminal networks. The governor equally urged religious leaders to continue promoting messages of tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence among residents, regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.
Participants at the summit engaged in extensive discussions on emerging security threats, community policing strategies, intelligence sharing, youth engagement and the role of technology in crime prevention. Security experts at the event reportedly emphasized the importance of collaboration among security agencies, local communities and government institutions in addressing evolving security challenges.
Several speakers also identified unemployment, drug abuse and poverty as factors contributing to insecurity and called for increased investment in education, skills acquisition and economic empowerment programmes. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions aimed at strengthening security across Delta State.
Many participants commended the state government for convening the gathering, describing it as a timely initiative that would foster greater cooperation among stakeholders in the collective fight against crime. As the summit concluded, there was a shared commitment among attendees to deepen collaboration, improve intelligence sharing and support measures aimed at protecting lives and property throughout the state.
Governor Oborevwori reiterated that while security agencies remain at the forefront of combating crime, lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens, communities and institutions work together toward a common goal.
He expressed optimism that the resolutions reached during the summit would contribute significantly to enhancing security, promoting development and ensuring a safer future for all residents of Delta State.
