The Niger Delta Development Monitoring Group (NIDDEMOG) has called on communities in Ijaw land to form vigilante groups to aid the efforts of security operatives in curbing the upsurge in the insecurity levels in the nation.
The development became necessary as, according to the group, local communities can no longer stand aloof as criminals continue to endanger lives, property, and economic activities in the Niger Delta region.
The Executive Director of NIDDEMOG, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, who made this call in a statement released on Saturday in Yenagoa, noted that community security had become necessary to provide protection for vulnerable communities, waterways, and rural communities.
He stressed that community leaders and youths should form vigilant groups which will cooperate with recognized security operatives.
The executive director also advised members of the communities to profile strangers residing and operating in their communities to checkmate any criminal acts.
This is because the security situation has assumed such a level that communities have to take more responsibility in ensuring security while cooperating with security agencies.
The executive director of NIDDEMOG went ahead to call on the Federal Government to form Mangrove Forest Guards to protect the huge mangrove forests found in the Niger Delta, adding that the forests were now being used as hideouts for criminals.
He stressed that it was very important to secure the mangrove forest ecosystem because not only would it help in the protection of one of Nigeria’s greatest environmental resources but also ensure good security in the region.
Mr. James-Eriworio explained that it was not possible to talk about security in the Niger Delta without taking into consideration the protection of the forests, water bodies, and coastal communities in the region.
He also called on the government of Bayelsa State to take concrete measures to secure the natural resources along the state’s coast because of the recent Court of Appeal ruling on the management of inland waterways.
The environmental group believes that Bayelsa State and other states in the Niger Delta region should do more in ensuring the security of their coastlines, creeks, and waterways owing to the increasing environmental degradation and insecurity.
According to NIDDEMOG, the attainment of sustainable peace and development within the Niger Delta area will necessitate more involvement of the community members in security, environment and natural resource management issues.
