By Kolade Adeyemi, Jos

Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Area in Plateau State, Hon. Ubandoma Laven, has been decorated as state patron of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

Laven, who spoke shortly after his decoration at the council’s Secretariat in Langtang North, said peace, security and well- being of Nigerians remain paramount for political and economic development.

The chairman also called for adequate support to all other volunteer security outfits to raid the society of criminal elements.

He argued vigilante groups should be permitted by Federal Government to carry light arms so they can effectively police their environments.

According to him: “You cannot go after kidnappers and bandits with bare hands as doing so will endanger their lives in the line of duties.”

He said there was urgent need for government at the three tiers to support the vigilante group of Nigeria by training and empowering them to support the fight against crimes.

“It is no longer news that the capacity of the Nigerian Police today cannot curtail the raising trend of criminal violence in the society, hence the need for community policing like the vigilante group of Nigeria VGN.

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“I make bold to say that the vigilante group are closer to the communities and if properly engaged, they can contribute in addressing the overwhelming security challenges bedevilling the nation.”

The council boss further said experience has shown in recent times that vigilante groups as security outfits mostly comprise of volunteers operating under the mandate of community consensus to fight crime have recorded huge success.

He also advised Nigerians to communally police their environment to compliment the efforts of other security agencies in the fight against banditry and kidnapping, which have became lucrative businesses.

Admin Commander of VGN, Plateau State Command, Abubakar Sadiq, said Laven was chosen as patron because of his contribution to the growth and development of his immediate community.