By Wealth Oghenemaro
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has described the Okuama crisis, which claimed the lives of four officers and thirteen soldiers of the Nigerian Army, as the most severe security test his administration has faced since assuming office.
Speaking on Wednesday during his 2025 State of the State Address to the Delta State House of Assembly, Governor Oborevwori reflected on the painful episode and emphasized the decisive actions taken to restore peace and stability in the affected community.
“The biggest security challenge this administration faced was the Okuama crisis,” the governor stated solemnly. “Through a combination of dialogue, strategy, and wisdom, the situation was brought under control and peace was restored to the area.”
The governor’s tone was both reflective and resolute, underscoring the depth of the crisis and the complexity involved in managing the fallout. He confirmed that rebuilding efforts in Okuama are currently in full swing, signaling his administration’s commitment not just to peace enforcement, but to long-term community rehabilitation and healing.
Governor Oborevwori used the moment to reiterate his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for insecurity and violence in any part of the state. While acknowledging that some security threats still persist, he assured Deltans that a coordinated effort involving the state government and security agencies is actively reducing incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
To enhance operational effectiveness, the governor revealed that his administration had donated 55 utility vehicles to the State Joint Security Task Force, Operation Sweep, which has been instrumental in combating criminal activity across Delta.
Turning attention to the oil and gas sector, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the state’s growing reputation as a safe and stable destination for energy investment. “Delta State was adjudged the Safest State for Oil and Gas Investments in Nigeria in 2024,” he said, citing recognition by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
The governor stressed that his administration’s conflict resolution efforts extended well beyond the oil sector. “These achievements do not include the several communal and boundary disputes and chieftaincy tussles that were resolved by this administration,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori closed his remarks on security with a call for collective responsibility. “Security is everybody’s business,” he emphasized. “Our dream of a safe and secure Delta is possible when each resident accepts responsibility for our collective security. If you see or hear something, say something.”
The governor’s reflections on the Okuama tragedy serve not only as a sober reminder of the costs of insecurity but also as a testament to the leadership his administration has provided in restoring calm and rebuilding trust among affected communities.
