The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has expressed deep concerns about the growing prevalence of cybercrimes, commonly referred to as “yahoo yahoo,” which have been tarnishing the reputation of the city......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
During a visit by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to his palace on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the traditional ruler made his concerns known, calling for more effective measures to address this troubling trend.
Egbetokun, who was in Asaba to commission several key projects within the Delta State Police Command, as well as to receive a fleet of Hilux operational vehicles for the ongoing Operation Delta Sweep, took time to meet with Obi Azinge to discuss the situation in the region. The monarch, who has been an active voice on community issues, highlighted the negative impact that the rise of cybercrimes, particularly “yahoo yahoo” and its dangerous offshoots like “yahoo plus,” is having on Asaba’s public image.
“This is a deeply disturbing phenomenon,” the Asagba remarked. “It is painful to hear that Asaba is being publicly labeled as the headquarters of yahoo yahoo. We want our city to be known for far more positive and productive achievements, not for criminal activities.”
The traditional leader further urged the police chief to take immediate action to address the problem, which has escalated in recent years, and to restore the city’s reputation. He expressed a strong desire for Asaba to be recognized for its cultural heritage, economic potential, and peaceful community, rather than for being associated with cyber fraud.
In addition to his concerns about cybercrime, Obi Azinge also raised the issue of rampant drug abuse within the city, which he described as a growing epidemic. He pointed out that Asaba is increasingly being referred to as a “drug-infested” area due to the high rates of substance abuse, which he called an alarming crisis.
“The situation with drugs has become unbearable,” he emphasized, adding that drug-related issues are affecting not only the youth but also the broader community. He appealed to the Inspector General of Police to intervene and provide support in combating both drug abuse and cybercrime, which he sees as major threats to the city’s future.
Despite these challenges, Obi Azinge expressed confidence in the ability to restore peace and order in the region. He assured the Inspector General that he would continue to work closely with the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, to foster a collaborative approach to maintaining peace and security throughout the state. The Asagba emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between traditional leadership and law enforcement in overcoming these critical issues.
