Oshimili South Inaugurates 72-Man Vigilante Taskforce to Combat Crime in Oko Communities
A seventy-two-man security vigilante taskforce has been inaugurated to combat crime across Oko communities in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Inaugurating the vigilante members, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, described the initiative as a strategic step toward addressing the security challenges facing the council area, noting that it would greatly benefit residents.
Dr. Ezenyili emphasized that the primary responsibility of any responsible government is the protection of lives and property, stressing that meaningful development cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity.
He explained that strengthening security infrastructure has been a major priority of his administration since the inception of his first tenure, adding that the challenge has become more pressing due to the recent increase in crime rates within the local government.
According to him, despite limited resources, security agencies have remained deliberate and determined in responding to security breaches in the area.
The chairman noted that security is a collective responsibility, requiring the active cooperation of individuals, communities, government, and business stakeholders, adding that “an attack on one is an attack on all.”
He said the extension of vigilante operations to the nooks and crannies of the local government area was aimed at reducing crime to the barest minimum.
Dr. Ezenyili charged members of the vigilante taskforce to remain vigilant and professional in their duties, urging them to track, trace, apprehend suspects, and hand them over to the police and other law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.
He also appealed to residents to remain security-conscious during the Yuletide period and to report any suspicious activities using the Oshimili South security short code 7745, while collaborating closely with vigilante groups and security agencies in their communities.
The chairman commended Chief Chinedu Ezenyili, the Ide of Oko Kingdom, for his magnanimous donation of six Sienna buses to support the operations of the vigilante taskforce.
Highlights of the inauguration included the formal handover of the vigilante groups to their head and deputy.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Vice Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Hobobo Chinye, the Police Area Commander Asaba, representatives of the DSS, the Nigerian Army, NDLEA, FRSC, Divisional Police Officers, and other stakeholders.
