AAF, an NGO trains 300 people for vigilante services in Edo

Tyo AFOLABI

About 300 men and women have been trained to serve as members of “Oduma Protection Squad”, a neighbourhood security watch in Edo-North Senatorial District of Edo.

The training was organized by the Afemai Almagamated Forum (AAF) in collaboration with Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC).

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the training in Auchi, Edo, AAF President, Dr. Bright Aregs, said participants were trained on methods of combating crime within their neighbourhood and the entire senatorial district.

“The Afemai Forum has trained about 300 men and women across the six local government areas (LGAs) in Edo-North, aimed at reducing crime and criminality in Afemai land.

According to him, neighbourhood security watch is also aimed at complementing the efforts of the state government, which has made security its priority.

“The security outfit is to work effectively in collaboration with government security agencies, to meet the demanding security challenges facing the senatorial district,” he said.

The chairman of JDPC, Auchi Diocese, Rev. Clement Anaredevah, said the trained men and women would create an active security network in the various communities of Edo-North.

“It is also aimed at providing job opportunities to the youth,” Anaredevah said.

The priest, however, admonished participants to be of good conduct and consider their job as contribution to the development of Afemai land.

“You are not trained to become terrors in the community, but to guard and protect lives and property in your neighbourhood,” he said.

The commandant of the squad, Martins Sado, said newly trained members of the group were all mentally and physically prepared to combat crime in the district.

“Nigeria is facing various security challenges, which have prompted some states and communities to devise ingenious means to secure lives and properties.