Following reported cases of insecurity and kidnapping in the coastal area of Ondo State, the authorities of Ilaje Local Government have constituted a vigilante group tagged ' Neighborhood Security Watch.'The security outfit was established to curb activities of kidnappers and other criminals in the area.Inaugurating the group at Igbokoda, headquarters of the local government, the chairman of the council, Banji Okunomo, said the council could no longer fold its arm while the peoples' lives are being endangered and their properties destroyed.At the occasion, the council also donated 12 tricycles for various youth groups in the area for commercial purpose and a brand new Hilux for the Vigilante group to carry out their duty effectively.The chairman said it was the responsibility of the council to provide adequate security for the people and embark on a wealth creation agenda by puting in place good government that is moderate in profile and efficient in service delivery.He said the lives and property of the people in the local government particularly in Igbokoda, could no longer be guaranteed because of the presence of kidnappers and armed robbers who kidnapped and killed innocent people on daily basis.He said that the local government at an emergency security meeting held at Igbokoda with traditional rulers and security agents, unanimously agreed that the vigilante group be constituted to complement the Police and Naval efforts at getting rid of kidnappers.The council boss disclosed that the group will work hand in hand with other security agents in the local government warning that any member of the group indulging in nefarious activities would be dealt with accordingly.He charged members of the group not to see their appointment as an opportunity to promote sentiment and sectional interest if the purpose for which the group was established must be achieved.While soliciting for the corporation of the people to rid the council of social menace, Prince Okunomo reiterated that the council was determined in its genuine plan to promote and advance the dividends of good governance for the people in the area.He disclosed further that the council in conjunction with the state government had put in place key intervention programmes designed to revamp the ailing sector of the society especially in the area of infrastructure, security and human empowerment programmes.The chairman said the tri-cycle which were tagged: Iroko Fruits, would be distributed to the twelve political wards in the local government to mark the commencement of his administration's accelerated empowerment programme and poverty eradication scheme.
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