Abakaliki, Nigeria – Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state says youths from the state prefer enrolling in vigilantes to police because of their desire to protect their communities.
Nwifuru made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking with newsmen on the backdrop of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) zone nine, Anayo Uzuegbu’s courtesy visit to him.
The governor said that the youths’ preference for vigilantes has greatly assisted the state to combat crime.
“Securing communities is dynamic and involves lots of strategies.
“The youths say they love their communities and want to contribute in securing their areas.
“Community policing is very important in Ebonyi and that is what is helping us combat crime.”
He noted that the development has made the state government enroll several youths in vigilantes across the state.
“When you try stopping the youths from enrolling in vigilantes and join the police, they would tell you that the vigilantes are theirs.
“This is what is bringing peace everywhere in the state.”
Nwifuru said that the government adopted all inclusive approaches.to conflict resolution and such has also helped in ensuring peace in the state.
“We are, for instance, engaging stakeholders in resolving the conflict between Amasiri and Akpoha communities,.among other areas.
“During my meeting with stakeholders of both communities, they said their eminent personalities would collaborate with traditional rulers to resolve the conflict.
“They said that both communities share the same culture and desired to continue living as one.”
The governor said that the state commissioners for market development and tertiary education would deliberate with traditional rulers among others, on the issue.
“The commissioner for market development is from Akpoha while that of tertiary education is from Amasiri.
“The people accepted what we discussed and resolved to achieve peace within one week.”
