…vows to Rid Edo of Criminals
BENIN CITY – A mega Security Outfit geared towards strengthening the capacity and operations of vigilante groups in Edo South Senatorial District, code-named, “Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante” has been born in Edo State.
Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER on Tuesday, at the Siluko Road office of the Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante, opposite Osunpec Oil & Gas Petrol filling station, the Coordinator-General of Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante and President, Eghosasere vigilante Group of Nigeria (EVGN), Comrade Eghosa Idahosa revealed that the new mega Security Outfit, arose from the merger of Eight (8) Security Vigilante groups in Edo South Senatorial District.
According to comrade Eghosa Idahosa, the Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante comprises the two factions of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC)- Frederick Fasheun and Gani Adams-led by their respective leaders in Edo State; Idolevbo Vigilante Group of Nigeria, led by Ohiwere; Niger Delta Vigilante Service led by Osama; and Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) led by Segun.
Others are: Eagle Eye Security Service led by Sophia; O.P.D.A Vigilante led by Augustine Omokaro (Aka Ugbalama) and Eghosasere Vigilante Group of Nigeria, (EVGN) led by Comrade Eghosa Idahosa.
The Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante Forum, according to the Coordinator-General, is an umbrella body for the 8 vigilante groups in Edo South, to forge common alliance, gather intelligence, pull together logistics and speak with one voice in terms of security matters.
While thanking the Edo State government for creating the enabling environment and necessary support for the formation of the Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante, fashioned after the Atanakpa Security Network in Edo Central, Comrade Eghosa Idahosa also immensely commended the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II for his ceaseless prayers for the security outfit, which he noted, are very instrumental to the various successes and protection for men and officers of the vigilante groups.
He however sued for more support from the state government, particularly in giving legal backing to the Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante through the instrumentality of the Edo State House of Assembly and urged all Edo citizens, both home and in the diaspora, and corporate organizations, to fully support, back and provide for the security outfit to achieve its set goals and objectives, which is principally to complement other security agencies in the state, to combat crime and criminality and restore peace, order and stability in the state, especially Edo South.
Comrade Idahosa who used the occasion to highlight some of the successes recorded by the Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante in the recent past, equally commended the state Commissioner of Police, respective divisional Police officers (DPO’s) of Evbuotubu, “Ogida, Textile Mill Road, landlords and landladies among others for their unwavering support in terms of training, logistics and intelligence and vowed not to relent in collaborating with other security agencies to stamp out crime in the society.
He, however, charged members of the various vigilante groups making up the Aken-Oduma Joint Vigilante, which membership strength he projected to be about 10,000 to remain resilient, gallant, focused and professional in their dealings with members of the public, adding that whoever does not conduct himself/herself well according to the rules of engagement will be shown the way out.
