Edo vigilance groups incompetent to bear arms, says security source

The vigilance group implicated in the killings at Uromi , Edo State,may have defied the advice of the Department of State Security, DSS, on arms control and guidelines in community policing.

Security sources had hinted that the tragedy would have been averted had Corps Commander of the State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin listened to wise counsel to subject his men to thorough training on arms control by the DSS.

Following the sad incident, Governor Monday Okpebholo promptly suspended the Corps Commander of the State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin.

The suspended Commander and two principal suspects linked to the Uromi killings were reportedly arrested by the DSS and flown into Abuja for further questioning.

Credible News recalls that at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies mid-February in Abuja, the DSS Director General, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi supported the call for community policing, but harped on the need for “arms control” and some form of approval and guidance.

“We have to allow some level of armament for the community, so that they can serve as the first line of defence… when we leave here, those of us who have some influence, the elites, discuss with your communities. Come to us. Get some form of approval and guidance,” advised the DSS DG.

However, security sources disclosed that Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, had rebuffed security advisory to involve the DSS in the training of the corps.

“There were security reports that certain vigilance groups were illegally operating in the Uromi axis, where CP Ibadin hails from, but that the retired police Commissioner turned a blind eye on their activities.

“Even when the DSS leadership in Edo State drew the attention of the State government to security reports that Ibadin was aiding and abetting the illegal operations by some members of these vigilance groups, he dismissed the reports as untrue.

“It is believed that it was members of these illegal vigilance groups that falsely raised the false alarm that the hunters, who were on their way to Kano for Sallah festivities, were kidnappers prompting the jungle justice by the mob,” the source said.

Crediblenewsng.com