The President of the Urhobo Progressive Union’s Youth Wing, Mr. Efemena Umukoro, has sounded an alarm regarding the activities of armed youths in certain local government areas of Delta State, urging authorities to take decisive action.
Umukoro, speaking to The media from Asaba, the capital of Delta State, emphasized the repercussions faced by traditional institutions when youth engage in criminal acts, often leaving the communities vulnerable as perpetrators evade justice.
He cautioned traditional rulers to actively disclose any suspicious activities within their domains, citing the unfortunate incident involving the monarch of the Ewu kingdom and subsequent fallout with security agencies following the Okuama tragedy.
Umukoro stressed the importance of community leaders being vigilant, particularly in areas such as Ughelli South and Ethiope East, where armed youth groups have reportedly been extorting money and intimidating local businesses.
He emphasized that the primary objective of the Urhobo Progressive Union is to safeguard the rights and welfare of the Urhobo people, not to endorse or participate in unauthorized security initiatives. Umukoro called for the arrest of any Urhobo youth leader attempting to recruit youths under the guise of forming security teams, reiterating that such actions are unlawful and against the principles of the UPU.
In conclusion, Umukoro urged other Urhobo traditional rulers to heed the lessons from the Okuama incident, emphasizing that unauthorized armed groups formed by youths pose a significant threat to community stability and must not be tolerated.
