Rochas appeals to FG to set up local vigilante groups nationwide to fight crime

Rochas receiving a commemorative plaque from Maj. Gen. Olaniyi

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to introduce local vigilante groups whose duty will be to assist other security outfits in Nigeria in the fight against crime.

He made this appeal during a courtesy visit to Imo State Government House, yesterday, by the Commander of 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Adebayo Olaniyi.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that if not for the support of the military to the other security agencies, the country would have been overrun by criminals and hoodlums, adding that the local vigilante group set up by the Imo State government some months ago otherwise called the ‘Imo Security Network’ has contributed to the reduction of crime in the State.

He condemned the attitude of some Nigerians as well as some media establishments who speak  and publish nothing but negative news about Nigeria, adding that such attitude does not portray nationalism and patriotism.

He applauded high level discipline in the Nigerian Army and called on the federal government to introduce military training as part of the academic curriculum in our secondary schools to ensure that Nigerian children are taught to imbibe discipline at a very early stage of their life.

Earlier in his address, the Commander 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu, Major general Adeboye A. Olaniyi said that he was at the Government House to pay a courtesy call on the governor, adding that he was on a working tour of the army formation in his Division of which Imo State is one.

He thanked the governor for his support to the Army and particularly for improved water supply at the Army barracks in Obinze, in addition to vehicles, and finances for their work which has stemmed the spread of ugly incidences of kidnapping and other crimes in the State.
He assured the governor that the army will do everything within its powers to ensure that crime is reduced to the barest minimum in the State.

The high point of the occasion is the presentation of a commemorative plaque to the governor by the Army Commander.