By DADA AYOKHAI
Ayogwiri community is not ready to back down on its resolve to tackle the myriad of insecurity issues confronting the largely agrarian community, as the executives of the community’s union have gone even a step further to procure the necessary security gadgets to ease the operations of the local vigilante outfit.
The Edo state governor Mr Godwin Obaseki was recently in Edo north district where he held meetings with stakeholders and expressed government support for local vigilantes in areas of financial and infrastructure.
The unveiling ceremony, conducted at the palace ground and in the full public glare, was indeed an occasion for joy and stock-taking as some of the dignitaries, mostly the sons and daughters of the community, including those in the diaspora who had journeyed home to celebrate the festive period with their relations and loved ones, all heaved a big sigh of relief that the end of insecurity around the community will be effectively managed.
A visibly elated President General of the Ayogwiri Osiregbemeh Association, AOU, Engr Mike Inoyapeh supervised the unveiling and vowed that his association will continue to support the local vigilante outfit with needed kits and gadgets until the last of the criminals giving the community sleepless nights are completely flushed out.
Engr Inoyapeh also commented on the “new spirit” of cooperation as well as unity exhibited by the people towards the affairs of the Association, adding the community has been mired in one crisis after another for more than three decades and expressed joy on the new lease of life saying it was one of the reasons why the Association was able to mobilize funds to procure the security gadgets to bolster the war against criminality and other vices.
He said:
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this auspicious occasion of the unveiling of above mentioned security gadgets.
This day is remarkable because of the unity and zeal we put into raising funds for this projects.
It is noteworthy to say that this level of cooperation and understanding has eluded us for over three (3) decades now. “
Among the security items that were procured for the exclusive use of the Ayogwiri Vigilante Group in its battle to flush out the undesirable and criminal elements included a Siena car, specially branded security uniforms, belts and boots, walkie-talkies, fast-moving motorbikes, reflective jackets, and torch lights.
In particular, he expressed his profound appreciation of the Association to the royal fathers in the community who have worked assiduously behind the scene to promote unity among the people and solicited their support to enable the Association to fulfill its mandate.
The Ayogwiri Vigilante Group, AVG, in liaison with the Police formations in the area, has recorded significant successes in the fierce battle to flush out the criminal elements who have turned the community into a cash cow for their nefarious activities
The donated security gadgets are expected to boost the morale of the vigilante members as well as serve as the final tonic to flush out the undesirable elements from their hideout and restore peace.
