As state govt sets to tackle hoodlums
By Sunday Agbo, Abakaliki
The sudden return of criminal activities in Ebonyi State which manifested in cases of kidnap, car snatching, and shop burgling, has instilled fear in the hearts of residents, especially as the Christmas approaches.
In view of this development, the state government has reassured of its determination to restore a safe, serene and crime-free environment for the residents of the state.
Briefing newsmen at the Government House, Abakaliki, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umahi on Internal Security, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, explained that the blockades placed on major entrance and exit points across the state capital were part of strategies put in place to check infiltration of criminal elements into the state.
He observed that the recent reports of kidnapping and car snatching within the last few weeks were very disturbing developments contrary to the hitherto existing peace established from the inception of the Umahi-led administration.
“Since the inception of the Umahi administration, Ebonyi has been very peaceful. So, if there is something transpiring that we are not comfortable with, we are here with the security agencies to proffer solutions.
“Immediately, the government directed that the major streets should be blocked, barricaded with cross bars and road blocks mounted, there is something we want to achieve. We want to know who is going in and coming out of every part of the state at any point in time”, he explained.
He noted said that the state Neighbourhood Security Watch, the police and other security agencies were collaborating to ensure that the orders of the governor were carried out with a view to eliminating crime, especially kidnapping and car snatching that have resurfaced in the state.
Calling on members of the public to show understanding over the development, he noted that the move was also necessary to guarantee a safe yuletide season. Ugbala who assured that the Neighbourhood Watch has been alive to its responsibilities, however observed that there was room for improvement given that it was the first of its kind in the history of the state.
He re-emphasised that the Neighbourhood Watch was not an arm-bearing security outfit and should not be associated with arms, instead should act principally as a surveillance group reporting to the police and other constituted security agencies. “Ebonyi State government is law abiding. Neighbourhood Watch is to run as information agents to the major security agencies. We have the police, and they are attached under the Police and we are not ready to give them arms.
“If they effect any arrest, they should submit them to the police who will carry out the proper investigation and if there are issues that demand the use of arms, the police and other security agencies are there.
“So, any Neighbourhood Watch personnel who demands arms should be investigated because he may not be a genuine one and if I find such a person in our midst, I will not hesitate to sack him for that was not the vision of Governor Umahi,” he warned.
The SSA explained that the recent stakeholders meeting on security which mandated all local government areas to set up vigilante groups was in tandem with further strategies to guarantee safety of lives and property across the state, adding that such vigilante groups would serve as feeder troop to the Neighbourhood Watch to guarantee its continuity.
Speaking on the allegation that some members of the Neighbourhood Security Watch use their positions to intimidate, oppress and harass rural dwellers in their domains, the governor’s aide described such allegation as a ploy by some evil people to discredit the group in order to distract them from performing their most needed security functions.
He challenged any person who has tangible evidence against any member of the group to approach his office with such report, promising to deal decisively with any member found guilty.
“My reaction is very simple. They are trying to divert the attention of the Neighbourhood Watch and we are not ready for that. If there are such cases, there should be a written document officially submitted to my office to that effect.
“Anybody can say anything to shift the gaze of the Neighbourhood Watch or to ignite public hatred against the group, but we know that the assignment we have given to do is a very strategic and sensitive one.
“An armed robber who is not comfortable with their activities can even come up with such stories; the kidnapper who is not comfortable with the activities of the Neighbourhood Watch can also come up with such stories, just to distract them.
“If there are cases of their activities which the members of the public are not comfortable with, they should report to the concerned government officials and we will not hesitate to take actions, but for mere rumours, we cannot be distracted,” he concluded.
 http://orientdailynews.com.ng/crime/yuletide-ebonyi-state-govt-expresses/Lalasticlala seun |
