By Mowete Ikechukwu Austin
OGWASHI-UKU/Nigeria: Concerns are mounting in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, over what residents describe as a steady decline in security and the growing failure of those entrusted with protecting lives and property. Once regarded as a relatively calm community, the town is now grappling with anxiety driven by ineffective security presence and alleged abuses by some operatives.
Security remains a fundamental pillar of social stability, but many residents say that protection in Ogwashi-Uku has become more symbolic than real. Daily life, according to locals, is now marked by heightened vigilance, with people forced to look over their shoulders as confidence in security arrangements continues to erode.
Central to the complaints is the conduct of some security personnel and vigilante groups operating within the community. Rather than focusing on crime prevention and intelligence gathering, they are accused of prioritising the collection of money from residents, traders, and motorists under various pretexts.
Several residents allege that those who refuse to part with money are often harassed, intimidated, or branded as suspects. In some cases, individuals are reportedly ordered to report to security offices without clear justification, creating fear and resentment among law-abiding citizens.
The practice is said to be particularly visible along major roads, where some vigilante operatives reportedly mount informal checkpoints, not to check crime, but to solicit tips. Similar accusations have also been levelled against a few police officers in the area, further deepening public frustration.
These actions, observers say, have significantly weakened trust between the community and security agencies. Instead of being seen as partners in safety, some operatives are now viewed with suspicion, a development that undermines effective crime control and community cooperation.
Residents of Ogwashi-Uku are therefore calling for urgent intervention, expressing hope that authorities will address the situation decisively. They insist that security personnel must return to their core responsibility of protecting the people, while the government is urged to implement lasting reforms that will restore discipline, accountability, and public confidence in the security system.
