Police authorities in Delta State have declared war on various militant associations like the Adege Progressive Association (APA) and the Meinbutu Boys, describing their members as enemies of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Udom Ekpoudom, in a statement on Monday, said: “The Delta State Police Command hereby warns militant groups in the state, especially Adege Progressive Association (aka APA Boys) in Ndokwa West, and Meinbutu Boys or Kingdom and its affiliates in Warri, that the ban placed on them by the state government is still in force.
“The Command wishes to restate that all the proscribed illegal associations in the state remained banned and that any person or group of persons that involve themselves in the activities of any prohibited militant group in the state, particularly the two associations, will not only be made to face the full wrath of the law but will also be treated as enemies of the state.
“Parents and guardians, by this release, are hereby warned to call their children and wards to order as the state police force is poised to deal ruthlessly with anyone caught under the aegis of any militant youth group in the state.”
Ekpoudom however assured residents on the safety of their lives and property, but urged anybody with useful information on the activities of the two associations to give it to the police.
The warning came on the heels of the alleged involvement of the APA in the recent mayhem in Kwale, which led to burning of the palace of the traditional ruler.