Asaba – Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Monday called for collaboration between the security agencies and the vigilante groups to ensure safety of lives and property in the state.
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Okowa, made the call when the Umutu Community leaders visited him for appointing one of their own as Executive Director, State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) in Asaba.
He said that a peaceful society was very vital for development to thrive, adding that investors can only come to the state if it could be made a safe haven for their activities.
“I want to use this medium to say that our communities must find ways of partnering with the government to ensure peace and security in our various Local Government Areas.
“The governor said that the bill that sets up vigilante groups would be amended to ensure fruitful partnership with security agencies towards a crime-free society.
“We expect that they put processes in place to have well-coordinated vigilante groups that are responsive and responsible in such a manner that they partner with the Police.
“This is because, the combination of the Police and the vigilante groups will definitely help us to achieve greater peace in our various communities,” he said.
The governor added that government will try to review the law that established the vigilante groups because the level of insecurity nationally is high now.
According to him, the government believes that there is the need to officially recognise the vigilante groups in such a way that they can partner with government and security agencies in neighbourhood watch.
Okowa also assured the group that his administration would equip youths with necessary skills to become self-sufficient and employers of labour.
Earlier, Mr Alphonsus Ojo, member representing Ukwuani Constituency in the state House of Assembly, said they came on a thank you visit.
He commended the governor on his prosperity agenda and assured him of their support to enable him succeed. (NAN)