Delta State’s Deepening Security Crisis: Cybersecurity Expert Accuses Government of Politicizing Insecurity

By Chidiebere Onyemaizu

The security situation in Delta State has reached a critical juncture, with a prominent cybersecurity expert leveling serious allegations against the state government for what he describes as “playing politics” with the lives and safety of citizens. Engr. Christian Ijeh, an Agbor indigene based in Poland but deeply connected to developments in his home state, has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating security landscape, challenging official narratives that suggest improvements.

A Clash of Narratives: Government Claims Versus Ground Reality

The controversy erupted following statements from Barrister Fred Latimore, Head of the Delta State Bureau of Communication, who recently asserted that insecurity had “reduced drastically in the past four months.” Latimore attributed earlier surges in violence to political sabotage allegedly engineered by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was previously in opposition in the state.

According to Latimore’s position, following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to the APC and realignment with the ruling party at the federal level, peace and stability had been restored across Delta communities. This narrative suggests that the wave of violent crimes earlier recorded was largely a ploy by opposition actors to discredit the administration.

Engr. Ijeh, however, dismisses these claims as “false, politically motivated, and misleading reports” that bear no resemblance to the lived experiences of ordinary Delta residents. In a strongly worded statement, the cybersecurity expert accused government officials of “circulating barefaced lies on such a sensitive and delicate issue as security just to deceive and mislead the citizens.”

Personal Testimony Highlights Security Failures

To substantiate his concerns, Ijeh shared a harrowing personal account that illustrates the severity of the security breakdown. He narrated how his brother recently fell victim to armed robbers in Warri who invaded his residence at night and operated for several hours completely unchallenged.

“Throughout the attack, my brother desperately called the local police station seeking urgent intervention, but shockingly, no help came,” Ijeh revealed. “At one point, he even approached a nearby police post for assistance but was told to take the matter to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Warri.”

The attackers made off with substantial sums of money, valuable jewelry, and multiple mobile phones, leaving the family traumatized both financially and emotionally. This incident, according to Ijeh, represents the daily reality for many residents across Delta State, contrary to government assurances of improved security.

The Human Cost of Political Posturing

Ijeh was particularly critical of what he characterized as the government’s insensitive approach to victims of violent crimes. “While officials sit in air-conditioned offices in Asaba and declare that peace has returned, people are being attacked in their homes, robbed on highways, kidnapped on their way to work, and abandoned without protection,” he stated.

The cybersecurity expert condemned the tendency to politicize security matters, noting that such positioning represents “an insult to the victims of insecurity” who continue to endure the consequences of systemic failures in protection and law enforcement.

Geographic Spread of Insecurity

According to Ijeh’s assessment, the security challenges are not isolated to specific regions but have spread across multiple population centers. “Armed robbery, kidnapping, and cult-related violence have continued to ravage Warri, Ughelli, Sapele, and many other parts of the state,” he reported.

This assessment aligns with reports from civil society organizations and local communities that have consistently raised alarms over recurring incidents of kidnapping-for-ransom, highway robbery, and cult clashes. The persistence of these security threats suggests deep-rooted challenges that extend beyond political explanations.

The Dangers of Misinformation in the Digital Age

As a cybersecurity professional, Ijeh emphasized the particular irresponsibility of disseminating misleading security information in today’s interconnected world. “In this digital age and time, when information, events, and persons can easily be accessed even if they are hidden in an ant’s hole, such nauseating lies have no hiding place,” he cautioned.

Ijeh warned that the Delta State Bureau of Communication under Latimore’s leadership was peddling propaganda that could potentially embolden criminal elements by masking the severity of insecurity. This approach, he argued, not only misleads citizens but also creates a false sense of security that might leave people more vulnerable to attacks.

Call for Genuine Security Reforms

Moving beyond criticism, Engr. Ijeh outlined urgent reforms needed to address the security crisis. He urged Governor Oborevwori to prioritize collaboration with federal security agencies, invest in modern surveillance infrastructure, and rebuild public confidence in the police force.

“Delta State needs a government that listens to the people, not one that deceives itself,” he asserted. “Until there is a functional and trusted security system, no amount of political storytelling will convince the victims otherwise.”

The cybersecurity expert emphasized that sustainable solutions must address underlying drivers of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty, and systemic failings in the state’s security architecture. Merely attributing criminality to political opposition, he warned, represents a dangerous distraction that undermines genuine problem-solving.

The Way Forward: Transparency and Accountability

Ijeh called for greater transparency in how the government communicates about security challenges. He expressed disappointment that Latimore, as a government spokesperson, had chosen to advance political narratives rather than provide objective assessment of the situation.

“I expected Latimore to be objective and honest in his role as a government spokesperson, but instead, he is busy advancing propaganda that insecurity is the handiwork of the opposition,” Ijeh stated. “Such a stance is irresponsible and deeply disappointing.”

The expert’s comments highlight a growing tension between official accounts of security improvements and the firsthand experiences of residents who continue to face threats to their safety and property. This disconnect raises important questions about governance, accountability, and the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of authority.

Broader Implications for Delta State’s Development

The persistence of insecurity in Delta State has implications that extend beyond immediate safety concerns. A precarious security environment can deter investment, undermine economic development, and erode social cohesion. For a state with significant economic potential, particularly in the oil and gas sector, addressing security challenges is not just a matter of public safety but also of economic necessity.

Engr. Ijeh’s decision to speak out from abroad underscores the concern that many in the diaspora feel about developments in their home communities. Despite physical distance, many maintain strong connections to their places of origin and remain invested in the welfare and security of those who remain.

As Delta State grapples with these complex security challenges, the exchange between government officials and critics like Ijeh highlights the need for honest dialogue, evidence-based assessment, and collaborative problem-solving. The lives and livelihoods of Delta State’s residents may depend on which narrative ultimately prevails—and on whether political considerations continue to overshadow genuine security reforms.

Full credit to the original publisher: The Sun Nigeria – https://thesun.ng/delta-insecurity-ijeh-slams-state-governments-handling-of-situation-cautions-against-politicisation/