To Avoid Recruiting Robbers Into Vigilante, Community Security Men In Anambra 177 Communities Data Captured

                                          

                                                 security vehicles

                               

Odogwuemekaodogwu.com reports that Anambra State Government has embarked on data-capturing and revalidation exercise in order to have an authentic data-base of all the vigilante groups in the 177 communities of the state as well as enable government plan and budget for the service.

Special Adviser to the Anambra state governor on security Mr.Chikodili Anarah made the disclosure yesterday at the government house Awka while addressing representatives of various vigilante units in the state.

Mr.Anarah said that there were rumours making the rounds that some people were sabotaging government efforts by collecting money from vigilante operatives for the revalidation exercise even though government has categorically stated that the exercise was free of charge and nobody should pay money to any person to get captured in the exercise.

The security expert further explained that traditional rulers in the 177 communities have been duly instructed to clampdown on anyone collecting money from vigilante operatives for the re validation and data-capturing as government has already planned and budgeted adequately for the exercise as the whole process was not for money-making, odogwuemekaodogwu.com reports.

Mr.Anarah who told the vigilantes that chief Willie Obiano had resolved to pay their salaries and allowances regularly, urged the security operatives to be committed to their duties and ensure effective community policing in their various communities in order to rid the state off disgruntled elements adding that government plans to provide uniforms, I.D cards and other apparatus free of charge to enable them function effectively.

Meanwhile, Mr.Okechukwu Nwankwo a vigilante operative from Ndi-Okpalaeke in Orumba-North local government area said vigilante operations in the area was done in accordance with government directives but the only impediment was shortage of arms. He said there are about 6 locations within their area of operation and that the 6 locations had to make do with only 5 arms apparently not enough to comb the entire locations. He however appealed to government to increase the arms to 15 to enable them effectively chase criminals lurking in their domain .

Also Mr.Nestor Okoli the chairman of Ndi-Ukwuenu vigilante unit said at the moment they only have 3 arms but if government could increase the arms to 7, it would indeed improve their services in their location.

Mr.Okoli also pointed out that prior to Chief Willie Obiano's administration in Anambra state, vigilante operatives were compelled to pay between 30,000 and 40,000 naira respectively to obtain vigilante uniforms but the present administration has made uniforms and  I . D cards free of charge while urging the state governor to look into the provision of more arms for community vigilante groups to enhance their operations in the state, reports odogwuemekaodogwu.com .