MEET FRANK OSHANUGOR
(INTERVIEW)
Ogbuefi Nnamdi Chukwuedo is the man who wears the big shoe as Chairman of Asaba Community Vigilante, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
He is saddled with lots of responsibilities most especially the risk that is associated with voluntary protection of lives and properties.
Moreso, the commitment and exploits of Asaba Community Vigilitante in fighting crime in one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria in this era of high crime rate has been remarkable and commendable.
In pursuant to creating more awareness of curbing crime in our society in general and Asaba in particular, AtlanticNewsonline Asaba Bureau Chief CHARLES NWABARDI, who is also a specialist in security reporting had a chat with the Chairman. In the interview, Ogbuefi Chukwuedo barred his mind on the realities of crime fighting as it partains to Community watch.
Excerpts:
ANO: As Chairman of Asaba Community Vigilitante, how have you been able to cope with this era of high crime rate?
CHAIRMAN: It has been good but greatly challenging. I continued from where my former Chairman stopped and I’ve kept the pace thus far.
I must point it out that security of lives and properties is
the work of the police hence we on our own cannot do anything without the Nigeria Police (Delta State Police Command).
I must say that we work in synergy with the Police.
ANO: Have your Vigilante Team activities helped to curb crime wave in Asaba Metropolis?
CHAIRMAN:
Yes, my team is really doing great. We understand the terrain and know every nook and cranny of Asaba and its environs. We have been bursting criminal hideouts, apprehend them and hand them over to the police. I must commend members of my team for their commitment and sacrifice. They are wonderful gallant men.
ANO: In this Yuletide, have you experienced rise in crime?
CHAIRMAN: No! This year’s Ember months are well managed because of joint security operatives effort. Hitherto, at this time of the year there was high incidence of kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery, cultism and other related vices.
ANO: It was publicized that His Royal Majesty, Professor Chike Edozien led the people of Asaba to curse those that partake and support cultism in Asaba. Did the curse bring any change?
CHAIRMAN: Yes there is great change. Since then, there has not been any recorded incident of cult killings and clashes. His Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien yells for crime-free Asaba.
His unflinching support to us is very encouraging. I want to also use your medium to say thank you to the Asagba for all his support to Asaba Community Vigilante.
ANO: Throughout your activities, is it only the youths that are involved in crime?
CHAIRMAN: Not at all. Both the young and grown adults are involved. Men and women are also involved. We caught one man that is far above youthful age recently who specializes in trailing people that withdraw money from the bank. It is really ridiculous.
ANO: Do you have a word for Landlords and Landladies?
CHAIRMAN: House owners must scrutinize their would be tenants in order to know what they actually do for a living before renting their homes to them. Deltan should also know that everybody must be involved in Security watch by giving and sharing information.
ANO: what do you think that induces crime?
CHAIRMAN: A sober person can hardly get involved in crime. What empowers them is hard drugs. Every right thinking person must join the fight against hard drugs and cannabis. Get -rich -quick syndrome is another cause.
ANO: What is the level of your team’s cooperation with other Vigilante groups within your local government and others?
CHAIRMAN: There is good networking. We have cooperated in time past to crack crimes.
ANO: what is your advice to those who partake in crime?
CHAIRMAN: My only advice is that they should leave crime and look for something legitimate and meaningful to do. If they refuse to stop, the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
ANO: Does your Team have challenges?
CHAIRMAN: Yes, we have challenges. We need more incentives and logistics. His Excellency, the amiable Governor of Delta State, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa has been very supportive but we need more support. The Delta State police Commissioner, CP Ari Mohammad Ali has also instilled confidence in us.
However, the most disturbing factor to us is that most people we caught at crime scenes even with arms are usually seen working freely on the street few days after being caught. We will be more encouraged if criminals caught are made to face the long alm of the law.