As the Ayakoromo Bridge Project in Delta State nears completion, a security expert, Demebide Master Tony, has called on the state government to establish a permanent police outpost in Ayakoromo Town to address anticipated increases in human activity, economic transactions and security demands.

In an open letter to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tony urged the government to facilitate the establishment of the police outpost under the Burutu Police Division, stressing the need to strengthen security ahead of the socio-economic transformation expected to follow the completion of the landmark infrastructure project.

While commending the state government for the progress recorded on the bridge project, Tony described it as a transformative investment that will improve connectivity, stimulate commerce and expand economic opportunities in Ayakoromo Federated Community and neighbouring riverine communities. He emphasised that adequate security measures must accompany these anticipated developments to safeguard lives, property and emerging investments.

According to him, the bridge will not only end decades of geographical isolation but also usher in a new era of business expansion, investment opportunities, and increased movement of people and goods throughout the riverine axis of Burutu Local Government Area.

However, he stressed that development and security must go hand in hand.

“Ayakoromo is now at a critical stage where proactive security planning has become necessary,” he stated.

The security expert noted that Ayakoromo serves as the headquarters of the Ayakoromo Federated Community, which comprises more than 35 villages and settlements, making the town a major commercial, transportation and administrative hub for thousands of residents.

He further observed that signs of economic growth are already visible, with hotel developments and hospitality investments springing up in anticipation of the opportunities expected from the completion of the bridge.

While describing the development as encouraging, Tony warned that growing communities require adequate security infrastructure to prevent potential challenges associated with rapid urban and commercial expansion.

He explained that increased accessibility often attracts greater commercial activity, population growth and investment, but may also expose emerging economic centres to crimes such as theft, burglary, drug-related offences, youth restiveness, property crimes and other social vices if preventive measures are not established early.

According to him, the purpose of the appeal is not to suggest that Ayakoromo currently faces widespread insecurity but rather to ensure that security measures are put in place before challenges arise.

“Government should not wait until criminal activities increase before responding. The same foresight that informed the construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge should guide the establishment of a Police Outpost to protect the opportunities the bridge will create,” he said.

He lamented the absence of a permanent police presence in Ayakoromo, noting that residents often travel to Burutu or, in some instances, seek assistance through the Area Command in Udu Local Government Area to report incidents and obtain police intervention.

For riverine communities that depend heavily on water transportation, he noted, such delays can significantly affect emergency response during incidents involving threats to life, communal disturbances, theft or protection of property.

Tony therefore argued that establishing a Police Outpost in Ayakoromo would improve law enforcement response time, strengthen community policing, enhance the protection of lives and property, boost investor confidence and support the area’s expanding hospitality and commercial sectors.

He added that the facility would also serve more than 35 communities under the Ayakoromo Federated Community and complement government investment in the Ayakoromo Bridge Project.

“As the Ayakoromo Bridge Project approaches completion, there can be no better time to take this important step,” he said.

The security expert consequently urged Governor Oborevwori and relevant security authorities to consider the establishment of a Police Outpost in Ayakoromo as a strategic investment in the long-term prosperity, security and stability of the riverine community.

He maintained that while the bridge is bringing development closer to Ayakoromo, a permanent police presence would ensure that such development is protected and sustained for generations to come.

“A bridge connects people. Security protects progress. Ayakoromo deserves both.”

Cc:
– Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Asaba
– Area Commander, Burutu Area Command
– Divisional Police Officer, Burutu Police Division
– Executive Chairman, Burutu Local Government Council
– Member Representing Burutu Constituency, Delta State House of Assembly
– Commissioner, Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure Development