Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Monday, decried the rising cases of kidnapping, killings and attacks on clergy men and worship centres in the country.
Governor Okowa made the remark at a security seminar tagged “Securing worship centres and clergymen in contemporary Nigeria”, organised by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, at the Grace Cathedral Church of God Mission, Asaba.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Okowa stated that while security agents were working hard to apprehend the perpetrators of heinous crimes, it had become imperative to equip church leaders and families with basic knowledge on personal security and safety at places of worship.
According to him, in recent times, the nation has witnessed rising cases of pastors abducted and sometimes killed, or in some cases ransomed.
“Although no fatality has been recorded among abducted clergymen in Delta, yet this unholy trend calls for concern.
“Given the turbulence and uncertainties that have plagued this nation in our recent political history, there is no gainsaying the fact that it is the prayer of the righteous that have kept this country together,” he stated.
He said his administration was committed to the security of the State and the peaceful coexistence of the various ethnic nationalities.
“We have continued to bolster our security architecture to ensure that together with your prayers we win the battle against armed robbery, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality.
“As you may be aware, we recently inaugurated ‘Operation Delta Hawk’, a joint task force with the mandate to take the fight to these criminals, be they bandits, kidnappers or gun-totting cattle herders.” Okowa stated.
