“Don’t Shoot Without Authorization”-Police Charges Anambra Vigilante Group

Anambra state police command has advised the state Vigilante Group (AVG) to judiciously utilize the security materials recently doled-out to it by the state government in combating crimes in their areas of jurisdiction as well as to resist any attempt by an individual to convert such into selfish act even as they were charged to shun indiscriminate shooting.

Deputy Superintendent Police Officer (DSP) and O/C Legal, Barr B.A Onwuemekaghi who disclosed this recently while delivering lectures to AVG at Cana House, also enjoined the group to guard it guns, vehicles and other items at their separate offices rather to entrust it in a member's possession.

According to Onwuemekaghi, keeping the weapons and any of the items at home or under someone's possession could tempt such person to misuse it even as it could make the house hubs of miscreants who may attack to steal the arm.

Similarly, an Officer in charge of Homicide in the Criminal Investigative Department (CID), Amawbia, Clifford Igweze reminded the community police that it was created purposely to assist them ( Nigerian Police Force) to rid crimes at the nooks and crannies of the state because according to him “numbers of Policemen/women were insufficient to reach out to rural communities”.

He also instructed AVG to desist from shooting without confirmation and authorization as that could lead the culprits to prison but to relate to NPF, their Traditional Ruler or Presidential General and to channel important information to the force when the need arises.

Speaking to Orient Daily, some of the Vigilante members, Mr. Mike Okoye from Aguleri, Anambra East local government area; Mr. Uche Okoli from Abagana, Njikoka Council area and Mr. Emmanuel Ilozumba of Ogidi expressed satisfaction at the training while declaring readiness to discharge their duties religiously.