Concerned by the worsening security situation across the country, the 21 communities in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State have taken collective steps to strengthen local security by establishing Vigilance Groups in their respective areas.
The move was disclosed by the traditional ruler of Egbelu Obube Community and Chairman of the Owerri North Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Jude Chidi Nwaogu, during an interview with our correspondent at his palace.
According to the monarch, the community-led security arrangement is aimed at checking the activities of criminal elements who often take advantage of late hours to perpetrate crimes within the area.
Eze Nwaogu further revealed that plans are underway to introduce a Forest Guard initiative in Egbelu Obube Community.
He explained that the proposed outfit would regularly patrol nearby bushes to prevent bandits and hoodlums from using the forests as hideouts.
“I am establishing a Forest Guard in my Community (Egbelu Obube) to look into our bushes periodically and dislodge any criminal element on sight and I have informed the Chairman of our Local Government Council about this. Very soon I will register the Vigilance Group with the appropriate authorities.”
The traditional ruler, who also serves as Chairman of the Imo State Community Justice Centre Steering Committee and Secretary of the Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, expressed concern over the continued practice of what he described as harmful and outdated cultural norms in parts of Igboland. These, he said, include Female Genital Mutilation (FAM) and various forms of discrimination against women.
He noted that since ascending the throne 18 years ago, he has taken decisive steps to confront and eliminate such practices within his community.
Eze Nwaogu, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and former National Deputy President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), also commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and a prominent indigene of the area, Alex Mbata, for facilitating the construction of an all-season motorable road in the community.
He added that the popular Orie Egbelu Market is slated for expansion, a development he said would significantly enhance commercial and industrial activities in the area.
