Asaba’s New Sheriff: ‘Operation Know Your Tenants’ Launched to Combat Crime!

• **The Problem:** Asaba is facing an influx of people, including criminals, leading to increased insecurity.
• **The Solution:** ‘Operation Know Your Tenants’ requires landlords to keep records of their tenants to help track suspicious activity.
• **Community Support:** Many residents and even some native doctors are praising the initiative, seeing it as a way to weed out criminal elements.
• **Government Involvement:** The Delta State government is working on broader security measures, but some believe the federal government needs to do more.

Asaba’s Security Crisis: A City Under Siege?

Asaba, once known for its serenity, is now grappling with a surge in crime. Residents like Mr. Joseph Eboka, who returned home after a decade, are witnessing a disturbing change. The influx of criminally-minded individuals, including herders, ritualists, and internet scammers (Yahoo Yahoo boys), has disrupted the peace.

The Rise of ‘Babalawo’ & Security Concerns

Adding to the problem is the relocation of native doctors from neighboring Anambra State, following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s crackdown on those allegedly involved in illegal activities. Some of these practitioners have reportedly moved to Asaba, further straining the security situation.

Ibori’s Herdsmen Embrace: A Pandora’s Box?

Francis Mordi, an Asaba indigene, points to a past decision by former Delta State Governor James Ibori to welcome herders expelled from Onitsha, Anambra State. These herders, resettled in Abraka Market, allegedly turned it into an arms cache, leading to increased violence and crime.

Kidnappings on the Rise: Farmers Living in Fear

Kidnappings are becoming a daily occurrence, with farmers particularly vulnerable. A former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Emma Ejiofor, highlights the plight of local communities denied access to their farmlands due to persistent kidnapping and assault.

One chilling account tells of a farmer killed by abductors after they discovered he was a member of a vigilante group. The vigilantes themselves are outgunned by the herders, who wield military-grade firearms.

Hunters’ Plea for Help

Mr. Happiness Onyeogani, a member of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, describes their efforts to combat the kidnappings, hampered by a lack of equipment and firepower. They are calling on the government and the people for support.

‘Operation Know Your Tenants’: A Community’s Response

In response to the growing insecurity, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), has launched ‘Operation Know Your Tenants’. This initiative aims to monitor and gather information on every tenant in the town. It’s a proactive step to ensure that those with sinister intentions don’t find a safe haven in Asaba.

The Asagba has also banned the activities of ‘Eze Nwanyi’ (female native doctors) who are allegedly supporting criminal activities. All native doctors operating in Asaba must now be registered and regulated.

Native Doctors Divided: Support for Regulation

Chioma Achumba, a female native doctor, supports the initiative, seeing it as a way to distinguish genuine practitioners from the fake ones. She decries the criminal activities carried out in the name of herbalism by underage and unqualified individuals.

Government’s Perspective: A Balancing Act

A government official, speaking anonymously, acknowledges the complexity of the issue, citing the constitutional right to free movement. However, they also recognize the correlation between population growth and increased crime rates.

Delta State’s Efforts: Intelligence and Infrastructure

Mr. Charles E. Aniagwu, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and overseer of the Ministry of Information, highlights the state government’s efforts to improve security, including intelligence gathering, acquisition of security hardware, and road construction to improve access to remote communities.

Federal Government’s Role: Ranching and Responsibility

Aniagwu criticizes the federal government’s inaction on cattle ranching, which he believes contributes to the problem of herders encroaching on farmlands. He also suggests that the recent killing of alleged terrorists in Uromi, Edo State, could have been avoided if the government had listened to communities’ concerns about herders’ activities.

Asaba’s Growth: A Double-Edged Sword

Aniagwu attributes Asaba’s growing population to its hospitality, economic viability, and tourism offerings. However, this growth also brings challenges, including increased crime and insecurity.

The Road Ahead: Can ‘Operation Know Your Tenants’ Make a Difference?

‘Operation Know Your Tenants’ is a significant step towards addressing the security challenges in Asaba. Whether it will be enough to restore peace and security remains to be seen. The community’s involvement, combined with government efforts, will be crucial in the fight against crime.

Table: Crime Statistics in Asaba (2023-2024)

About The Author

Ikenna Oluwole

Ikenna Okoro, affectionately known as "Ike," is a dynamic editor who focuses on sports and current events. He is known for his vibrant reporting and his passion for Nigerian sports culture.