The Traditional Ruler of Eluama na Mgbedeala Autonomous Community in Umunwanwa, located in the Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, His Royal Highness, Eze Chibuike Rowland Osuagwu, has called on the indigenes of his community to stay alert and maintain high-security awareness during and after the festive season.
In an interview with theNational Ambassador, Eze Osuagwu emphasized the need for vigilance, urging residents to report any suspicious activities or movements within the community. While highlighting the community’s efforts in deploying security measures, he stressed that residents must play an active role in reporting unusual activities, as security begins with them.
The monarch also revealed that the community had employed a local vigilante group to maintain peace and security. These vigilantes, he said, work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, handing over suspected criminals to the police when necessary.
Eze Osuagwu noted that, following government authorization for traditional rulers to oversee their communities’ security, local vigilante recruitment became crucial in maintaining law and order. He explained that Umunwanwa consists of three communities—Onyeocha, Obinugwu, and Eluama na Mgbedeala—which share common traditions, festivals, and security concerns.
The traditional ruler further emphasized that only individuals with impeccable character are considered for the vigilante group. He said candidates undergo thorough screening by the Eze’s cabinet, and any individual with questionable character is immediately disqualified from recruitment.
“While security forces are doing their part, we, as traditional rulers, also have our roles to play. We are the chief security officers of our communities. That is why we are deliberate in screening vigilante members. If any candidate is found with dubious intentions, we will not recruit them. Our community is peaceful because we expose any suspicious activity immediately,” he stated.
The monarch also stressed the importance of a well-screened vigilante group. He warned that if the group is not properly constituted, it could inadvertently facilitate criminal activities. “We ensure only those with good character are chosen to join the vigilante. If we are to combat crime, it is essential that the local vigilante remains free from any criminal influences,” he added.
Eze Osuagwu reiterated that security is a shared responsibility and urged everyone in the community to actively report and expose criminal activities rather than condone them.
Additionally, the traditional ruler called on both state and federal governments to create opportunities for the youth, such as skills training programs, to help reduce crime rates. He also appealed to community youth leaders to assist in monitoring the vigilante groups to ensure they perform their duties properly.
