…Coordinator raises alarm over security threats, calls for urgent government intervention
Just days before the commencement of the 2025 Batch B Stream 1 orientation exercise, suspected vandals launched a devastating attack on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, destroying all electrical installations and throwing preparations into disarray.
Confirming the incident during the swearing-in ceremony of newly deployed corps members on Friday, the Delta State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. John Kwaghe, described the act as a major setback that severely disrupted operational readiness and exposed the camp’s vulnerability.
“I regret to inform Your Excellency of a recent unfortunate incident, the vandalisation of all electrical installations within the camp just days before the commencement of the current orientation course,” Kwaghe reported somberly.
He disclosed that the matter had been escalated to key authorities, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Secretary to the State Government, the NYSC State Governing Board Chairman, the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, and the Obi of Issele-Uku, HRM Agbogidi Nduka.
Raising deeper concerns, Kwaghe called for immediate government action to rebuild the collapsed perimeter fence, warning that the camp remains dangerously exposed to criminal intrusions and further attacks.
“It is essential that we all play our roles in safeguarding government facilities, especially this camp, which is one of the most critical in the state,” he stated, warning that continued neglect could undermine the safety of corps members and the success of NYSC operations in the region.
Despite the security and infrastructural challenges, Kwaghe confirmed that 1,374 corps members, 613 males and 761 females, had been successfully registered and fully kitted for the three-week exercise and the formal Oath of Allegiance.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the event, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. ThankGod Trakiriowei, acknowledged the difficulties confronting the NYSC scheme and assured of the state government’s commitment to addressing them swiftly.
“The state government is committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for all corps members to thrive and contribute meaningfully to community development,” Trakiriowei assured.
In his address to the corps members, the governor urged them to conduct themselves with discipline, integrity, and a sense of purpose in their host communities.
He also warned against social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, and kidnapping, urging them to be shining examples of responsible citizenship.
The recent vandalism underscores growing security lapses at critical federal facilities and has sparked renewed calls for stronger infrastructure protection and inter-agency collaboration to prevent future breaches.
Credit: Guardian Newspaper except headline
