By Goodluck Ikiebe.
As part of efforts to curtail rising cases of insecurity in Etsako Central Local Government of Edo State,the people of Fugar Community in the state have launched their Vigilante Squad to check crimes and insecurity.
Inaugurating the Squad,the National President of Fugar Progressive Union, a socio-cultural group, Barrister Richard Anetekhai, said Fugarians worldwide came together, through the union, to reinvigorate the squad.
He explained that the Squad was not a substitute to the existing security agencies operating in the community, adding that it would operate under the framework of the Edo State Community Vigilante Security Network, to promote partnership with government and develop synergy to fight insecurity.
“All the personnel of the Fugar Vigilante Squad have been profiled and registered by the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services. They have been trained and kitted with some operational resources, including a monthly allowance, life insurance and other necessities” Anetekhai revealed.
The FPU President appealed for more assistance from the Edo State government by providing needed equipment and other items for smooth operation of the Squad.
Anetekhai also thanked the government,security agencies, traditional rulers and Elders for their commitment in tackling the security challenges in the community.
” We equally thank the Fugar Security Committee, headed by Group Captain Alex Nasamu (Rtd), for its selfless work and perseverance, as well as all Fugarians supporting the Fugar Security Trust Fund” Anetekhai remarked.
While counseling the Squad, the Head of FPU National sectariat, Mr David Agabi, advised the members to respect human rights and dignity during operations.
In his contribution, the Commandant, Edo State Constabulary Service, Colonel Kole Omomia, (Rtd), emphasised the need for gender balance in recruitment, adding that there were some operations which could solely be carried out by Women with support from male counterparts.
Our Correspondent reports that the launch of the Squad has brought great relief to people of Fugar and environs, who recently experienced various forms of Security challenges like kidnapping, rape and Herders/Farmers Conflict.
