By Nelson Agbajor/Emeke Alexander
Following recent cult related killings in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, men of the Nigerian Army, Navy, DSS and Viganlantes today (Monday) raided suspected black spots and criminal hideouts in the area.
NewsNet gathered that the heavy security intervention is part of efforts to curb the increasing crime wave in the ancient town which socio-economic life has been brought to the lowest elb.
The medium also learnt that men of the Nigerian Army has vowed to fish out the gunmen who shot dead a soldier and a police officer last month in Oton community.
The raid which covered several parts of the town was said to have began last night with the Land Component Commander, Major General Ibrahim Jallo, mandating the sector 1 commander inconjunction with the 19 Battallion of the Nigerian Army, Koko and other security agencies to raid dark spots in Sapele and other communities.
It was learnt that the head of Okpe kingdom, a retired General has warned all to stay clear for the security agencies to carry out their work diligently without any interference.
A security source who craved anonymity told our correspondent that the Army, DSS, Police, Navy, Vigilante and others swung into action raiding suspected black spots and houses of suspected criminals.
Some catches of ammunition and also locally made guns were said to have been recovered during the raid.
“We have resorted to take the battle to them and restore peace to the town and that is why we are doing this, and as I speak to you, we have recovered some ammunition from some of the arrested suspects, ” the source said.
The security source also vowed not to relent in their efforts to recover guns said to be seized from a soldier and police that were killed last month at Oton acesspoint.
“We will not stop until we recover these arms and others should know that crime does not pay, if they say we won’t sleep, then they should be ready to fly at night”
It would be recalled that Sapele has in recent times been a hotbed of cult related and other criminal activities that have claimed several lives including the Special Assistant to the Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Youth Development, Okiemute Sowho, who was shot dead in broad daylight over a week ago.
Gunmen last month were reported to have attacked a checkpoint killing a policeman and a soldier as well as carted away their guns.
Meanwhile, residents of the town have commended security agencies for the prompt response to their outcry over the insecurity in the town.
Akpojotor Idolor, a petty trader along Okpe road said since the coming of the security forces, they can now sleep with their two eyes closed.
“We appreciate what the 19 Batterlon of the Nigerian Army has done, Sapele was like a war zone and the past few days we can now sleep with our eyes closed” he said.
Anioma Blessing, a hairdresser along MacPherson road on her part, while commending the security agencies especially the Army, DSS and the Navy, said it was obvious that a last resort has been found for those who have turned the town to battle zone.
“I hope they will continue this and God bless them. The Hilux vans of soldiers, navy and other security agents give us more confidence now,” she said.
