By John Goodness Nkeiruka
Residents of Umuezeala Owerre, a community in Ehime Mbano, Imo State, have formed a vigilante group to curb crime and ensure the safety of the community.
The community took the decision after a number of crimes were reported within a short time.
Findings by OtownGist showed that people feared to leave their homes at night, with many believing things could get worse if nothing is done.
The community picked individuals with basic training in crime prevention and detection as members of the vigilante group, while Chief Adolfous Onyeahalam is the leader.
The absence of an organized security unit in the community has seen crime on the rise in recent months, with a number of break-ins reported in the area.
With residents living in fear, the vigilante group is expected to do a thorough work in identifying perpetrators of the crimes and ensuring they are handed over to the police.
Chief Onyeahalam said that the vigilante group will operate under strict guidelines, including a code of conduct and a system of checks and balances to ensure that they do not abuse their power. The group pledged to work closely with the police and other security agencies in the area.
