Isuikwuato Vigilante Group (IVG) has been launched at Mbalano, Isiukwuato LGA of Abia State to tackle criminal activities in the local government.
The local security outfit is an initiative of national executives Isiukwuato Development Union aimed at securing lives and property of Isiukwuato indigenes, especially at this period of kidnappings and other criminal activities in the LGA.
The vigilante group which is to be headed by Navy Commander Ochiabuto Igbokwe (Rtd) was provided with operational motorcycles to ensure effective result while vehicles are to be acquired for the members of the security outfit, in due course.
Addressing the people of Isukwuato, a former military Governor of Cross River State, Col Chris Osondu said security of lives and property of Isiukwuato indigenes was the responsibility of every indigene, and charged natives of all communities to in Isiukwuato to be vigilant around their vicinity.
He expressed the optimism that the newly inaugurated security outfit would ensure that Isiukwuato nooks and crannies are protected from evil activities of hoodlums.
Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) Isuikwuato Division CSP Greg Agbi, representstives of the Area Commanders of Isuikwuato in the Police, DSS, NSCDC and Commander of NDLEA, George Ugah were all present and in their different speeches commended the efforts of the town unions and the leadership of the IDU for floating community based vigilante groups.
The federal security agencies however, cautioned the Isiukwuato vigilante group against usurping the duties of the federal security agencies as they are not permitted to detain or prosecute suspects of crimes but to hand them over to the relevant authorities for investigations and prosecution.
The Chairman of the occasion, Rtd. Navy Capt. Osondu as well as the DPO inspected the guard of honour mounted by the newly inaugurated vigilante group.
Members of the Traditional Rulers Council of Isuikwuato who spoke through their secretary, HRH Eze Peter Ginikanwa commended the IDU the security initiative, stressing that security was paramount for development.
