…..Sapele was more secured during the tenure of former Area Commander
Residents of Sapele in Sepele LGA of Delta State have called on the Delta State Commissioner of Police to urgently address what they describe as negligence and lack of professionalism among police officers stationed in the area following an upsurge in insecurity especially vandalism and thefts in Churches in the area.
According to the residents, Sapele has become increasingly unsafe, especially at night accusing the police of abandoning their core responsibilities of protecting lives and property, opting instead to harass motorists for money. “Police presence is hardly felt, and patrols at night are almost non-existent.” a resident lamented.
Investigations by journalists reveal that criminal elements including robbers and hoodlums have taken over the town, targeting churches in particular. These criminals reportedly break into places of worship at night, stealing valuable equipment and instruments worth millions of naira.
One of the worst-hit churches is Victory Family Assembly, Ogorode, where musical and sound instruments estimated at over N50 million were stolen in a night-time raid. Another major victim is the Jesus Solution Christian Bible Deliverance Ministry, led by Bishop Kingsley Majemite, also known as Obeba, which lost items valued at more than N100 million.
In addition, City of Grace Ministry, also known as Grace Dispensation Church, pastored by Apostle Joshua Oribaboh, was attacked with equipment worth N30 million carted away. Many other churches across the town have suffered similar break-ins, although the full extent is still being documented.
Residents expressed their frustration over the silence and inaction of security agencies despite these recurring attacks. They stressed that the police and local vigilante groups appear inactive or ill-equipped to respond to the growing threat. “We are living in fear. We can’t sleep with our eyes closed anymore,” said another concerned resident.
Some community members recalled that Sapele was more secured during the tenure of former Area Commander, DCP Innocent Umerie. According to them, his use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategies and robust security presence helped curb crime in the area significantly.
Now, residents are calling on the current Area Commander, ACP Bassy Victor, and the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Obioguru, to rise to the occasion. They urge collaboration with sister security agencies and local vigilante groups to restore peace and order.
The recent cases of kidnapping along the Eku-Amukpe axis further underscore the deteriorating security situation in Sapele. The residents demand swift and strategic action to prevent further loss and make the town safe again.