By Sam Akadoro, Sapele
In a move to sanitise and ensure a crime free environment, especially from armed robbery and cultism, the police and vigilante groups in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government area of Delta State, have doubled their efforts in checkmating the activities of the hoodlums.
But residents and traders in the area are complaining of the police taking the laws into their hands, following the continuous arrest of innocent indigenes, especially the women who go out to trade at night.
One of the indigenes of Oghara, Mr Yusuf Joseph, told newsmen that the Commissioner of Police and the local council chairman needed to wade into the issue, as it was causing panic among them.
Joseph noted that there was no curfew in the area but wondered why the police and vigilance groups were arresting people after 10.00 p.m.
“There is no crisis in Oghara, so I don’t see why the police and vigilante will be going around arresting innocent people.
“This is forcing people to pack out of the place, as it was becoming unbearable for them to stay.
“Just as it is forcing the youths to lose co nfidence in the local government chairman who they hold in esteem and regards, especially during the election campaign.
“When the former caretaker committee chairman was there, we didn’t have issues with 10.00 p.m. to arrest people. So I don’t know why it’s coming up now.”
While appealing to higher authorities to checkmate the vigilante activities, Joseph also frowned at the way and manner they were being neglected by companies and the local government authorities.
“Oghara youths are suffering seriously, as there is no job in spite of the over nine companies and industries in the area.
“The 60/40 agreement that they had with the companies has been altered because the chiefs are now taking bribe,” Joseph allged.
He also urged the council chairman to rule without fear or favour as he was being regarded with high esteem.
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