Kwara community vigilantes renew oath, bear ID cards

Worried by the incessant kidnapping activities and security breaches in its territory, the traditional council and stakeholders in Isin LGA of Kwara State…

Worried by the incessant kidnapping activities and security breaches in its territory, the traditional council and stakeholders in Isin LGA of Kwara State have rejigged the security apparatus of the area making hunters and vigilantes to renew their pledge and oath of allegiance.

It was learnt that the move is to fish out “sell outs and bad eggs” believed to be in cahoots with outsiders to compromise internal security and also strengthen the relationship and partnership with the police command.

The measures, s source noted, was to prevent a recurrence of recent security breaches in the community, especially the last kidnapping incident in which five people were abducted but later rescued by the police.

In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of Isanlu Isin Development Association (IIDA), Barr Jacob Ayanda, said, “The hunters and vigilantes were made to renew their pledges and oath of allegiance.

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“This was done to make sure that bad eggs or sell outs among them are dealt with, because the recent breaches must be as a result of lack of cohesion and dissension.

“All branches of security outfits in Ijara Isin and Isanlu-Isin, two popular towns in the local government, have become notorious kidnapping corridors lately.”

While noting that the hunters and vigilantes would now bear special ID cards, Ayanda noted that, “Strangers/wanderers occupying surrounding lands illegally will no longer be tolerated, while those without proper identification will be kicked out. Recognised groups must be properly registered.”

He added that the Kwara State Commissioner of Police (CP), Ebun Oluwarotimi Adelesi, had directed a 24-hour patrol and surveillance on the Isanlu-Isin-Ijara Isin road.

Speaking further on the issue, Ayanda told our correspondent on Monday in a telephone chat.