ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has directed security agencies to immediately arrest the killers of Jerry Aduara, a prominent youth leader in Warri, warning that his administration would not condone another round of crisis in the oil city.
Aduara, an indigene of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and two-time chairman of the Odion Urhobo Youth Council, was reportedly shot dead in Warri. The governor, visibly displeased by the development, said those behind the killing and their sponsors must be fished out and brought to justice.
“I have directed security agencies to arrest the person who shot and killed somebody in Warri. They should look for that person and bring him to book, including those backing him. Nobody involved will go scot-free because this is Delta State, and we want peace,” Oborevwori declared.
The governor issued the directive on Monday while visiting the Delta State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba, where he commended the agency for intercepting a cache of sophisticated weapons in what he described as a major breakthrough in the state’s fight against insecurity.
“I am very delighted to be here today. I had to leave another important engagement to be here because the breakthrough recorded by our security agencies is highly commendable and significant to the peace and safety of our state,” he said.
Oborevwori praised the DSS and other security agencies for their “strategic intelligence, coordination, and determination,” which led to the recovery of the arms, adding that the success reflected Delta State’s strong commitment to peace and public safety.
He warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of lawlessness or attempt to destabilize the state, particularly in Warri and its environs.
“Those who are planning to cause crisis should have a rethink. We want peace, not trouble. We are working tirelessly to open up Warri for investors and economic growth, but where there is violence, investors will stay away,” he cautioned.
The governor further vowed that anyone involved in killings, violence, or arms smuggling would be tracked down and prosecuted, stressing that Delta remained a peaceful and investor-friendly state.
“Bringing in heavy arms and ammunition of this nature is unacceptable and a direct threat to our collective peace. We will not allow it under any circumstance,” he warned, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies to maintain law and order.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and ensuring that no individual or group “takes the law into their own hands,” emphasizing that his government remained focused on unity, development, and security.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of Operations of the DSS, Delta State Command, Mr. Anthony Ifemeje, briefed the governor on the intelligence-led operation that led to the arrests.
He said the operation, which took place on October 12, 2025, within the Asaba metropolis, resulted in the capture of a notorious arms dealer, identified as Stephen Sabo Atoshi, and his accomplice, a 40-year-old secondary school teacher from Taraba State.
Ifemeje revealed that the suspects were part of a transnational network trafficking small arms and light weapons from Sebha in southern Libya through Chad into Nigeria via an illegal border in Gidam, Yobe State.
“During interrogation, the prime suspect confessed to being in the illegal arms trade for eight years and to having supplied over 55 weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, across the country,” he said.
Recovered items included seven GPMGs, several AK-47 rifles, five hand grenades, and other military-grade weapons, some of which were concealed in bags of beans transported from the North to the Oko Food Market along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
The DSS also uncovered 497 cartons of fake drugs intended for distribution within the state.
Ifemeje assured the governor of the command’s continued vigilance and commitment to cutting off arms supply routes and dismantling criminal networks operating within Delta State.
