Vigilante groups partner to beef up security in Ikorodu

A few years ago, Ikorodu was a haven for armed robbers and cultists. The activities of these agents of darkness were so pronounced that residents of the area were thrown into panic and could hardly sleep with their eyes closed.

Vanguard Metro learnt that in those dark years, it was normal for these hoodlums to begin their deadly operations as early as 7pm. Reports had it that they would dispossess their victims of their valuables and those who tried to resist them were either  maimed or shot dead.

Although such ugly incidents have become a thing of the past, some residents of Ikorodu are still living with the scars which have left indelible marks in their memories.
One of the victims of those years of darkness is Master  Solagbade Ayinde, a primary four pupil who is today battling with deformity. Master Solagbade was shot severally during one of such raids.

Another victim of the attacks is Alhaji Mudashiru Olopade popularly called ‘Álhaji Agba’. His 40 -year old wife, Folasade was allegedly killed on May 26, 2011 by a gang of armed robbers  who also made  away with cash and household appliances.

In a bid to restore normalcy to the town, a local Police called ‘’Ónyabo’’ under the leadership of Chief Kamorudeen Bombata, was inaugurated. The group immediately swung into action by combing all the nooks and crannies of the town to fish out the miscreants. In the process, some hoodlums behind the attacks were unmasked. The hoodlums claimed to be members of Vigilante Group of Nigeria VGN.

Investigations  showed that some of them who were expelled from the vigilante group, went ahead to form a parallel body. Members of this parallel body have set up offices in many parts of the country and have allegedly been extorting money from innocent citizens.

Determined to put a stop to this ugly trend, the authentic Vigilante Group of Nigeria has vowed to deal with those dragging its name to the mud. In fact, the group is believed to have closed down some offices of the alleged fake group while some of the impersonators were handed over to law enforcement agents.
Last week,  some executive members of the “authentic” VGN in Lagos State led by their State Commander, Prince Ademola Akerepa paid a courtesy call on the leader of Ónyabo, Chief Bombata

In attendance at the meeting were other VGN executive members including  Otunba James Udoma Assistant Commander (Logistics), Ayisire Emmanuel State Deputy Commander and the Area Commander Olaiya Johnson.
Speaking at the meeting, Prince Ademola lamented the various atrocities perpetuated by the parallel group. He stated that the cry of the innocent people in Ikorodu and its environs have reached VGN and they are determined to ensure the safety of lives and property in the area.

The State Commander who said crime is now a global problem, described  the group as a legal entity which was incorporated in 1999. VGN has established branches in 36 states of the federation to assist the Police in curbing crimes.
VGN, he said, has been re-organised and unscrupulous elements handed over to the Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

‘’Security operatives should not be found wanting; we need to form a formidable team to curb crimes in Lagos state,’’ he said.
In his remarks, an Ikorodu resident, Otunba James who has lived in the area for over 20 years, gave kudos to the local police, ‘Onyabo.  ‘’Onyabo is doing well in Ikorodu and with your collaboration, VGN will record a major success,’’ he said.

In his address, Emmanuel urged the leader of Onyabo to give necessary support to VGN.’’We want to give Chief Bombata an additional responsibility to checkmate our members who have passed through series of trainings organised by the Federal government,’’
Responding, Chief Bombata urged the executive members not to rest on their oars until the hope and aspirations of the Corp are achieved.