Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State on Sunday in Warri, said that his administration was prepared to step on toes if need be, in the new year to check the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the state.

Speaking at the Annual End of Year Thanksgiving Service organised by Iwere Kingdom, Governor Uduaghan said communities that aid and abet those who engage in acts of violence and criminality against other members of the society would not be spared in the crackdown against criminality.

He complained that such acts of criminality were an embarrassment to the state and that it was seriously affecting the image of the state among investors and visitors.

His words: “You know I took an oath to protect lives and properties and I would not sit back and watch other people terrorise other members of the society”.

Continuing he said: “all those engaged in one form of criminality or the other such as armed robbery and kidnapping in Delta State should stop their nefarious acts and retrace their steps. In the coming year we are going to take security more seriously and anyone caught would be made to face the law”.

According to him, communities have been known to harbour such criminal elements giving them a playing field to perfect their nefarious acts.

"all those engaged in one form of criminality or the other such as armed robbery and kidnapping in Delta State should stop their nefarious acts and retrace their steps. In the coming year we are going to take security more seriously and anyone caught would be made to face the law”

The Governor said: “communities that provide these criminals a safe haven would have themselves to blame as we cannot continue this way”, he concluded.

Speaking on other issues, Dr. Uduaghan said his administration was focusing on improving educational infrastructure, training and motivation of teachers so that Delta State would maintain an enviable position in Nigeria’s education sector.

He noted the scholarship award to first class students of Delta State origin was designed to prepare the ground for a crop of academics who would move Delta State forward.

He commended the Itsekiri Education Trust Fund initiated by the Olu of Warri and promised to support the vision.

In his sermon, the chaplain of the of the Warri kingdom, Dr. Mark Erumi harped on the importance of thanksgiving that is acceptable to God.

Prayers were later said for the peace and progress of Nigeria, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Iwere Kingdom and the Olu Of Warri among others.