The need for government at all levels to supply the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) with relevant equipments for effective operation, have become a sources of concern to the leadership of the organization.
Briefing journalists in Jalingo, the Taraba state commandant of the VGN, Bappa Jarumi, also tasked members of the public on the need to support and provide necessary information that would lead to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of suspects to the organization, he believed have become relevant.
Not comfortable with the infiltration of ” unregistered groups” whom according to him are presently soiling the ” good image” of the VGN whom he described as the “authentic Vigilante Group” the need for the police, Ward heads, village heads, Civil Defence etc to conduct screening for members of the group in order to flush out the bad eggs, he said can no longer be over emphasized.
According to him ” we are appealing for another screening of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Taraba state chapter by the Ward heads, village heads, police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Civil Defence or any security agencies to wipe away the bad eggs among us.”
Government as recommended by him, should also go extra legitimate mile to clamp down on persons parading themselves as members of the group whom according to him ” they are non registered members of the group” adding that ” government should cease from recognizing them because they are giving us negative images.”
Flanked by his Executive member, the state commandment who pleaded with the state government to extend an olive branch to the organization by making available to them ” patrol vans, funds and materials for night operations” believed that the group would achieve more if the necessary helping hands are extended to the members by the leadership of the state.
Citing the numerous arrest of suspects ranging from kidnappers to armed robbers by the group, the organization as made known by him has being collaborating with security outfits in the state.
” Several suspects” as stated by him ” have been arrested by the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and many exhibits recovered” many suspected, he said ” are handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, and subsequent trial by the law court.”
The group, according to Jarumi, had on several occasions used the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to bring to an end disputes that would have jeopardize the peace efforts of the incumbent leadership of the state.
He admonished the government to give the group all the needed backings that would ensure continue training of the members by the police ” and latter relevant authority for proper equipping for VGN.”
