The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, has announced sweeping measures to tackle rising insecurity in the Delta State capital, including an immediate ban on iron condemn (scrap metal) vendors and evacuation of all dump sites.
The decisions followed an emergency Asagba-in-Council meeting held on Saturday at the Ogwa-Uku Ahaba, where the monarch also prohibited trucks from parking overnight on Asaba soil. The Asaba Community Vigilante (ACV) and relevant quarters were directed to enforce the new rules.
HRM Azinge raised concerns over recent criminal incidents in Asaba, including attacks around the Koka and Abraka axes and the murder of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in her residence. He linked drug abuse to rising crime and warned that drug barons who recently returned to the city would soon face renewed raids as a rehabilitation centre nears completion.
The Monarch condemned increasing cases of multiple land sales by some indigenes, warning that offenders — including chiefs — would face severe sanctions.
On the proposed Anioma State, HRM clarified that he is not opposed to its creation but insists Asaba must not be ceded to the South-East as capital. The Asaba political class, after a recent meeting with the monarch, resolved to reject any such arrangement and announced plans for a press conference and a peaceful protest on December 1.
Council members also discussed strengthening security in Koka, illuminating the area with 2,000 proposed solar lights, and addressing criminal activities around the Oko Road market.
The meeting, which also reviewed preparations for the Asaba International 10km Road Race on December 6, ended with a call for greater vigilance as the festive season approaches.
