A Patron of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Across Express Unit, Chief Yomi Oduselu Hassan, has declared that he will not be intimidated by alleged threats from criminal elements, even as he vowed to continue supporting the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Ika land, Delta State.
Hassan spoke against the backdrop of an alleged threatening message sent to him through WhatsApp by a person who identified himself as Alfred.
According to Hassan, the sender displayed knowledge of sensitive details about his personal life, including his residence and the school attended by his children.
He said the sender claimed that although they knew considerable information about him, they were not targeting him.
Reacting to the development, Hassan said he remained undeterred and would not abandon his efforts to support security initiatives aimed at tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ika land.
“I want them to know that I am a typical Ijebu-Ode man and a member of the Agbekoya, which means Yoruba warriors,” he declared.
Hassan also made claims about his alleged spiritual abilities, stating that he had spent 27 years in India studying what he described as occult science.
He further claimed to possess “199 powers,” but said he had chosen to deploy whatever abilities he possessed for positive purposes.
“I will never bend to destroy or take the life of anyone in Ika land, but for those heartless criminals, I will make them mad, go naked along the streets, and they will confess who are their sponsors in Ika land,” Hassan said.
The VGN patron said he had lived in Ika land for more than five decades and had contributed to the development and wellbeing of the people.
He a ppealed to the Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, to adopt more stringent measures against kidnapping and internet fraud in the state.
Hassan specifically advocated the demolition of buildings and hotels allegedly used as hideouts or operational bases by kidnappers and internet fraudsters, while also calling for severe punishment for persons convicted of kidnapping.
He urged security personnel to remain committed to their responsibilities and discharge their duties professionally, reminding them that positions of authority were temporary.
“Whatever position you hold today is not forever. So, do the right thing,” he advised.
Explaining his involvement with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Hassan said his major motivation was the desire to contribute to efforts to address the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in Ika land.
He said the VGN remained committed to protecting lives and property, promoting peace and supporting legitimate security agencies in the fight against criminality.
Hassan also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist in preventing crime and making communities safer.
He maintained that the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities required collective action from security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional institutions, government and residents.
