Stay Away From Ijebu-Ode, Vigilance Group Warns Criminals

A vigilance group in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state, western Nigeria, Obanta Safe and Secure Central Vigilante (OSSCV),  has warned criminals to stay away from the community.

Mr Yemi Odukoya, the Commander of the group, gave the warning while speaking to NAN in  Ijebu-Ode on Thursday.

Odukoya also pledged that his group would provide adequate security during the annual Ojude Oba and Ileya festivities  billed for  October.

”Preparations for the forthcoming Ileya festival are in top gear to enable us meet our targets.

“While we welcome peace lovers, hoodlums must steer clear of the community,’’ he said.

Also speaking to NAN, Mr Marcus Ayansanya, the group’s Zonal  Commander, called on  government and private organisations to assist its members in checking crime in the area.

Ayansanya said the fight against crime would be difficult if  law enforcement agents were not equipped.

”We have been trying to assist the police to curb crime in Ijebu-Ode  in our own little way.

“We have curtailed the activities of cult groups and armed robbers that had been a  major  source of concern in Ijebu-Ode.

”However, our challenges remain  inadequate finances and logistics,” Ayansanya said.

He expressed worry over the paucity of funds facing  local councils in the area,  saying this had hindered them from fulfilling their obligations to the group.

NAN reports that OSSCV is a member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, a body comprising vigilance groups in the country.