By Goodluck Ikiebe.
The Fugar Vigilante Squad, FVS, in Etsako Central LG area of Edo State, has expressed readiness to secure the community in collaboration with other security agencies in the local government.
Head of FVS, Mr Peter Omokpo Asama, who gave this commitment in an exclusive interview with press in Fugar, stated that there were numerous cases of insecurity and criminalities which necessitated the birth of the vigilante group on the 22nd October, 2021.
“As at today, we have been able to deal with those cases and reduced them to barest minimum with the cooperation of the Nigeria Police, Civil Defence, the Military and other similar vigilante groups”.
Mr Omokpo Asama listed some of the achievements to include the arrest of four kidnappers and the rescue of several captives including a foreign national.
He said those rescued were freed without payment of ransome, adding that no life was lost during the encounter with the kidnappers
so far, “but some of our personnel were wounded.”
” Our constraints now are mainly the need for more equipment like firearms to enable us confront the kidnappers, who often use sophisticated weapon like AK-47. We also need Security Cameras to be installed in some strategic places for easy monitoring of people coming in and out of the town”, he explained.
Mr Asama added that, there was also the need to beef up the number of Personnel, currently put at 25, to deal with any emergency situations and operate a full shift system, 24/7.
“When all these are in place, there won’t be need to be engaging private security to guard individuals,” he said.
On his part, the Security consultant and Co-ordinator of the Fugar Vigilante Squad, retired Captain Alloysius Lamai, said that the problem of herdsmen had been dealt with, adding that their camps had been destroyed.
” Fugar people can now sleep with their two eyes closed, while the women can go to their farms without fear of attack”, he assured.
Retired Captain Lamai noted that Community Policing remained a necessity and the best way to go in addressing some of these crimes in a community with the support of other security agencies.
“In Fugar, our relationship with other security agencies has been very cordial and we work as a team”, according to him.
He, however, noted that what was needed for a formidable and strong community policing was provision of security gadgets and personnel of two platoons, that is 64 in number.
” In this regard, the Fugar Progressive Union, Worldwide, a socio-cultural group, has been very supportive. I urging it to continue to do more for the peace, security and progress of the community.
“Our checks on the various vigilante groups, set up in the Local government, revealed that there is a general one for the entire Etsako Central LG funded by the management of the Local government, while all other community-based vigilante groups like Fugar Vigilante Squad is funded by the community associations and groups.
” They operate mainly as voluntary security groups to assist the traditional security agencies to curb crimes.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.