If Ughelli North is not peaceful, I will not rest, says LG chairman

Olorogun Jaro Egbo, chairman of Ughelli North local government area in Delta state, has declared an all-out war on illicit drug sales, child prostitution and the abandonment of public healthcare centres.

Egbo issued the warning during a security summit with representatives from the seven kingdoms in the council area: Ughelli, Agbarha-Otor, Ogor, Agbarho, Orogun, Evwreni and Uwheru.

He said illicit drug use is fueling violent crimes and must be urgently tackled.

“The result of drug abuse is robbery, kidnapping, rape, madness, even death. We will not allow this to destroy our wards and relatives,” he said.

The chairman announced that a Special Taskforce on Illicit Drugs and Human Trafficking will be set up with representatives from the kingdoms and security agencies including the NDLEA, police, DSS, civil defence, and immigration. Community leaders were directed to engage drug dealers and hoteliers linked to trafficking or risk arrests.

Egbo also decried the neglect of healthcare centres in the area, accusing some communities of abandoning or converting them for private use. He gave an ultimatum that any centre not properly maintained will be shut down by December 2025.

“If Ughelli North is not peaceful, I will not be at rest,” he said, vowing to safeguard residents.

The meeting drew leaders, secretaries, youth and women representatives, council officials and security operatives.