Prince Godstime Ukuanovwe, a human rights advocate and former House of Representatives candidate in the 2023 elections, has stated that the growing insecurity in Abraka, located in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, should not be blamed solely on the current Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Fabian Ayameh.
His comments come in the wake of contrasting views from top aides to the Delta State Governor. While Hon. John Enamuotor, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Security, recently demanded the removal of the DPO, another aide, Hon. Preye Ese, who serves as SSA on Community Development, expressed support for Ayameh, emphasizing the need for community cooperation instead of dismissal.
In a conversation with Oasis Magazine on Tuesday, Ukuanovwe offered a different perspective.
He acknowledged the concerns over rising criminal activity in the area, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and violence allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Recalling his personal experience, he mentioned that his uncle, Kennedy Ukuanovwe, was murdered in 2019 by herdsmen near the Abraka reserve area.
However, he clarified that CSP Fabian Ayameh was not the DPO at the time of that incident.
He stressed the need for a more strategic and well-supported approach to policing, highlighting that officers across Delta and the nation are often under-resourced and expected to take on dangerous assignments without adequate surveillance tools or logistical support.
According to Ukuanovwe, “We must push for more effective policing. Officers shouldn’t be expected to head into dangerous terrain without proper equipment or backup. Governor Oborevwori and the state leadership must prioritize the safety of lives and property.”
He also proposed exploring political solutions to the farmer-herder crisis, noting that some herders claim ownership of certain lands.
He recommended that such disputes be addressed through dialogue involving groups like the Miyetti Allah Association. If it’s determined that the land in question wasn’t legally acquired, steps should be taken to reclaim it.
Ukuanovwe added that insecurity isn’t unique to Abraka but is prevalent in other parts of Delta with vast bushlands.
He suggested inviting herder groups to public discussions to clarify their role, if any, in the region’s kidnappings and violence.
He alleged that some herdsmen operate well-armed camps deep in the forests and emphasized the need for collective action from all stakeholders to combat the insecurity crisis.
“This shouldn’t be pinned solely on Fabian,” he said. “He may have his shortcomings, but policing should not be limited to drug arrests and checkpoints. Crime fighting requires a broader, more coordinated effort.”
He made it clear that he was not aligning himself with either group – those calling for Ayameh’s removal or those defending his continued stay in office.
“I’m not the Commissioner of Police. My concern is for Abraka residents to live in peace and sleep without fear. Whether Fabian stays or goes is not my focus – what matters is security,” he asserted.
He concluded by noting that the DPO, while the face of the division, is only one among many officers.
“If we focus only on removing him, should we then remove everyone else? It’s bigger than just one man. The entire division needs our support,” he said.
