By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The security architecture of Edo State has been strengthened with the launch of a vigilante network by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
A lead expert on the vigilante scheme, Mr Yusuf Haruna, explained that the new security arrangement is intended to co-opt key actors in local communities to secure their spaces, gather intelligence, build trust and ensure adequate security across the state.
“Working with the vigilante network, we have divided the state into strata and every team is manning their area. We don’t want criminal elements to survive in any part of Edo State.
“We want to ensure that Edo is safe for our people and free of cultists and kidnappers. Our mission is to smoke out the criminals and ensure that they are not comfortable in our communities,” he said.
Edo and other states of the federation have had a rough time with criminals. The situation has led to the establishment of various security outfits.
Last year, worried by the spate of insecurity, the south-west governors met in Ibadan, Oyo State, to establish the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed Operation Amotekun (Leopard).
The operatives of the security outfit were asked to assist police, other security agencies and traditional rulers in combating terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping and also help in settling herdsmen and farmers contentions in the region.
For Edo State, its vigilante network will help in dealing with rising insecurity as the initiative is a community-led effort to galvanise local communities to partner with government security agencies to provide security and protect lives and property in the state.
Adedapo Adesanya