• We’re only being wiser than our enemies, says monarch

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All efforts to have a police post, no matter the level of operation in Ifesowapo community, a combination of about 20 villages in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have failed. Thus, on Thursday, July 27, 2017, proved memorable for them when Mr. Soji Ganzallo the state commandant of Vigilante Service Group (VSG), launched the arm of the group in the area.
According to the paramount ruler, Olu of Oluke, Oba Obadiah Akinode: “We need peace to enjoy our labour, we need peace to secure our investments and the future of our children. All efforts are futile where there is no peace. Daily petty stealing, armed robbery and ritual killings can never grow any environment.
“We cannot totally guarantee the lifestyle of everyone coming in to buy lands, build houses and do other business. Once they come in and find security measure and security agents in place, they will find it difficult to go into operation and thereby relocate to somewhere else. I encourage other communities to embrace grassroots security measures to enjoy peace.”
Ganzallo responded: “Though the vigilante service has spread to almost all areas in the state, yet we appreciate communities who willingly offer to welcome the outfit in their areas like Oluke. It shows that they understand the vital importance of security and are ready to give their full cooperation, for it to succeed.”
On the dreaded “Badoo” Boys in Ikorodu, Lagos State: “It is true, spilt over effects are natural between communities for either good or bad. In this case, the bursting of dens of criminal cages in Lagos would definitely leave Ogun State vulnerable to them.
“However, the various security groups in the state, the vigilante service in particular are on ground to stem their efforts. We know of them already, their various antics and maneuvers are known to us. With this knowledge, we are not only set to catch them, we are equally determined to destroy them completely or on their own, relocate to whenever they want.
“Whatever case is reported to the police through the vigilante or civil defence is sure to be treated with high priority by the police. They know we won’t indulge in corruption of any kind on any issue at all times thus they accord us with utmost respect.
“At this point, everyone should be security conscious. Let everyone be his brother’s keeper at all times, in all places. No security agent knows your community or area better than you. This is the strength of the vigilante service. We are grassroots and community based. We are familiar with everyone and everywhere in the community.
“No one can come from the Okuta or Abuja to comb Oluke town or Ifesowapo community like the vigilante services on ground in the community. It is time we wholeheartedly embrace this grassroots security service for our own good. No matter what happens after, once life is lost it is lost it cannot be replaced. Security should be everyone’s first concern.”
Special Adviser to the Olu of Oluke, Dr. Folajimi Abati, called on the Baales of Ifesowapo community to strengthen the vigilante group: “I enjoin the Baales to open up to the vigilante men and even encourage them to do more to safe guard, this growing community. Let us police each other for the peace and progress of our community, our neighbours thereby Ogun State in general.”