Governor Chukwuma Soludo says some vigilante operatives in Anambra state work hand in gloves with criminals in the communities, hence sabotaging government’s efforts in fighting insecurity.
Governor Soludo accused the community based security outfit of entering covenant with criminal elements who he added has infiltrated the security outfit
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that Soludo made the statement during a meeting with Traditional Rulers and President-Generals on Wednesday in Awka.
The Governor also revealed the reason he has not signed the monthly payments of the vigilante operatives, and also vowed to hold the Traditional Rulers and Presidents-General accountable if the vigilante operatives in their communities misbehave.
Soludo also raised the issue of cultism in Ihiala and reiterated that his government spends the most on security infrastructure in Ihiala compared to any other local government area in the State.
While noting that the central agenda of the meeting were security, environmental and community development, the gathering commenced with a moment of silence held in honour of the recently murdered President-General of Umuoji and the victims of the Odu-Igbo Market tragedy in Ochanja.
“Part of the problem we experience is that many of the vigilante operatives took oaths with criminals; they were infiltrated.
How many of those in charge of community vigilantes reside in their communities?
“This is a very critical question I throw to you all. How can the Commander of Achalla Vigilante, for example, be living in Awka or Onitsha? It’s not possible, which is why I raise this fundamental issue of command and control.”
“We, as a government, are determined to fix the insecurity situation in Ihiala, but the community must be prepared for that, even if it means reconstituting the vigilante force.
“Communities must show a concerted effort to police their areas and enable them to open on Mondays.
“They must convince their residents to open businesses consistently, and if this is done persistently, the issue of sit-at-home will eventually die out”.
