Anambra State Vigilante Service has urged people of Odumodu Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State to stop sleeping in hotels and return home.
Commander of Odumodu Umunya Vigilante, Chief Tochukwu Emesionwu gave the advice on Thursday, October 5, during commissioning of Odumodu Enu and Odumodu Ana Vigilante office in the area.
The two villages of Odumodu for a very long time have been under attack, leading to death of many, while some abandoned their ancestral homes to take refuge in neighboring communities.
Emesionwu affirmed that the community was secure and suitable for living with the Vigilante group’s presence, while also committing to removing criminal elements from the area with his team.
He also promised youths of the community of being carried along to ensure no criminal was allowed entry into the two villages of Odumodu Umunya henceforth.
He noted: “Our people should return home and stop sleeping in hotels. Our community is now condusive with the presence of the Vigilante group.”
Also speaking, Divisional Police Officer, Oyi Council Area, Chuks Nwoke warned members of the Vigilante Service in the area to shun acts capable of bringing the security outfit to disrepute by working according to the law establishing community policing.
He further warned youths and security operatives to avoid harassing and maltreating innocent persons, saying those arrested must be handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.
He added: “Community policing involves giving the police reliable information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of suspected criminals.”
On his part, Member Representing Oyi Constituency in the State Assembly, Innocent Ojike said his people have been suffering for a very long time due to insecurity, stressing that nothing meaningful was achievable without security.
While decrying residents inability to sleep with their two eyes closed in the past, the lawmaker who doubles as Chairman, House Commitee on Trade and Commerce pledged full support of security outfit’s establishment to protect lives and property of the people.
Chairman of Odumodu security commitee, Sunday Nweke said decision to inaugurate the Anambra Vigilante Service was informed by previous ugly experiences, assuring that similar occurrences would be nipped in the bud.
Members of the Vigilante group were presented with motorcycles, uniforms and other relevant tools to assist them secure lives and property of the people.
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