Less than twenty four hours after the disbandment of local vigilant groups in Emohua local government area of Rivers State by the Council, residents have expressed fears of possible return of crime and hostility to the area.
Chiarman of the Council, Chief Tom Aliezi had on Tuesday announced the disbandment of all local vigilant groups in the area with special reference to ‘OSPAC’, pointing deviation of some members from the original purpose it was created for.
The decision of the Council chiarman to disband OSPAC did not go down well with some residents and stakeholders in the area as they accused the chairman of trying to return the area back to the days of crime and insecurity.
Emohua local government area, before the formation of the local vigilante groups, OSPAC in the area two years ago we gathered, was had witnessed high level of insecurity ranging from cultism and other crime related activities.
Prior to the establishment of OSPAC, series of kidnapping, killings and armed robbery incidents were reported in Emohua communities especially along the East-West Road while women were raped and in some cases.
Some residents of the LGA told our correspondent that it took the doggedness of the local vigilante group, OSPAC with assistance of security agencies to dislodge the hoodlums and eradicate criminal activities in the area as well as other LGA (s) in the state.
The people lamented that disbanding the OSPAC and other local vigilante groups will give criminals who they said are currently in hidings an edge to start coming out and operate, thereby increasing crime and it’s related activities in the area.
“The dessolution of OSPAC in Emohua local government area is not a welcome development at all, because these hoodlums especially those they chased away will take advantage of the ban and unleash mayhem in the area.”
They however called on the Council Chairman to reconsider his decision and bring the vigilant group back on board.
