The Delta State Government has pledged swift, intelligence-driven measures to address the rising wave of armed robberies targeting phone and gadget dealers in Asaba, the state capital.
The assurance was given on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, while receiving a delegation of protesting traders at the Government House, Asaba.
Dr Emu said the administration was fully aware of the growing security concerns and would not allow criminal elements to undermine the relative peace and commercial stability of the state.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that coordinated security interventions were already being activated to tackle the situation.
“The government had begun activating strategic security measures aimed at decisively addressing the threat,” he said.
He disclosed that a high-level meeting would soon be convened with relevant security agencies, including intelligence units, to review the pattern of attacks and deploy targeted responses.
According to him, affected traders would be required to provide detailed reports and also nominate representatives for further engagement with government and security operatives.
Dr Emu also raised concerns over possible insider involvement in some of the attacks, saying such possibilities would require careful, intelligence-led investigations.
He maintained that Delta State remained one of the more peaceful states in the country but acknowledged the urgency of the current security challenge.
“We will address this situation decisively. In a matter of weeks, the impact of our interventions will become evident,” he assured.
The SSG further advised business owners to strengthen internal security systems within their shops and premises, describing such measures as the first line of defence against criminal infiltration.
He added that all relevant intelligence gathered would be forwarded to security agencies for immediate action, while urging residents and business operators to remain patient and cooperative.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr Victor Uche, a phone dealer, expressed concern over the increasing frequency of armed robberies targeting the sector.
He said Asaba, previously regarded as one of the safest cities in Nigeria, had recently witnessed a disturbing rise in violent attacks on business premises.
Uche explained that the incidents had escalated from occasional occurrences to near-weekly operations, leaving traders increasingly vulnerable.
He also noted that some victims had recorded evidence of the attacks and expressed worry that criminals appeared emboldened by perceived gaps in security response.
The traders appealed to the state government to take urgent and decisive steps to restore confidence and ensure the safety of lives and investments in the area.
