28th December, 2021
Richard Elesho/ Lokoja
As part of efforts to strengthen security of lives and property, a social cultural group, the Egume Ome Descendants Union, (EODU) in Egume, Kogi East has inaugurated a 350 – member vigilance guards, known as “Akogu-Omaga Vigilante Guards.”
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at Ome Community Secondary school Egume, the national President of EODU, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim said the formation of the security committee and inauguration of vigilante group was necessary due to rising insurgency and criminal activities have almost made Egume a war zone.
The President charged the vigilante group and all other security personnel to be active in ensuring peace and security in the area at all time adding “Security is everybody’s business and should be the utmost concern of all citizens of the community.”
Ibrahim said members were recruited from all the three political wards within Egume environs, stressing that the gesture is to curb harbouring of criminals and prompt arrest of any possible escapee.
He pointed out that the activities of kidnappers in recent times scared personalities from visiting their country home during festive season despite the efforts of some security agencies.
The President further disclosed that the Union has spent over #2 million on the uniforms, Personal ID cards, NIN data capturing, torchlight and other working tools for the group to enhance their performance.
Ibrahim who attributed the current economic woes and food insecurity in the society to insecurity on the farms, however, appealed to Government to rise to its responsibilities by doing the needful to encourage agricultural production, protection of lives and property.
He commended some individuals and branches of EODU for their financial support and exemplary leadership, especially the facilitating of four hospital bed units to Egume general Hospital by the Lokoja branch recently.
He lamented over the security challenges, especially kidnapping and incessant attack on farmers in Egume area in the recent times that has posed a lot of threats to low food production and development of the community.
Ibrahim who was unanimously re- elected for second term as the President of EODU reiterated his commitment to ensure sustainable peaceful coexistence among people of the community so as to witness progress in the land.
In his remarks, the Onu Egume, Alhaji Etila Ajeka who was
represented by the Amana- Attah Ojikpadala, Chief Mohammed Atogijo Onu stressed that the fight against insurgents is a collective efforts and called on people living in rural areas to always expose criminal elements.
He commended the national body of the Egume Ome Descendants Union for their zeal and determination to work in synergy with the government in fighting criminality in the society.
Highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of uniforms, identity cards, working tools and other accessories to group members to commence their job.