Reactions have continued to trail the security architecture bill in Bayelsa State following the public hearing on “Community Safety Corps Bill 2018 and the Registration of Neighborhood Watch Bill 2018”.

One of those who made their voices heard was the Chief of Staff to the Chairman Bayelsa State Vigilante Group, Mr. Hilary Ajap, who noted that the Bayelsa State Vigilante Group have information structure to curb crime if finally given the legal backing.

He said, the idea behind the success of the group is cooperation from the general public who give firsthand information and the vigilante group giving swift response to this information’ as they come.

Although many believed that this may be a plot for 2019, others said it is a welcome development.

A member of an already existing Vigilante Group in Obele, Mr. Allthesame Clarkson, said, with the establishment of Vigilante in the area, the criminal activities have been drastically reduced.

Mr. Allthesame said, although they still experience pandemonium, it is as a result of criminals from the Swali market who most at times run to Obele, and when that happens, there is always pandemonium.

Few months ago, ten persons were reported to have been feared dead in Yenagoa metropolis in a cult clash between Bobos and Greenlanders group.

Residents on Punch road, Sand Fill road, Ebis road, Obele and Goodnews Street in Azikoro village had witnessed the killings.

The report had it that, boys were shot dead on Tuesday at sand fill area, two left dead at good news junction and one at Punch road on Wednesday. 

One of the deceased identified as T-juice, a suspected member of Greenlanders cult group, indigene of Ogbia Local Government Area was shot dead at close range while eating at an open restaurant in the area.

The street known as Punch road was thrown into pandemonium when three youths armed with assault weapons opened fire on their rivals.

T- Juice was repeatedly shot in the head but his unnamed friend, a target, escaped before they opened fire.

The killers escaped thereafter through the Punch road chanting “Aromate-Aromate” as residents scampered for safety.

Although many believed that this may be a plow for 2019 others said it is a welcome development.

A member of an already existing Vigilante Group in Obele, Mr. Allthesame Clarkson said, with the establishment of Vigilante in the area, the criminal activities have been drastically reduced.

Mr. Allthesame said, although they still experience pandemonium, it is as a result of criminals from the Swali market that must a time run to Obele and when that happens, there is always pandemonium.

A resident in Hospital road, Mr. Nestor Walson, said, the move will be a good one when properly monitored.

A hairdresser, Mrs. Happiness and a tailor, Mrs. Ayomide at the Obele axis maintained that, even with the existence of Vigilante Group in the area, they still sleep with their eyes open.

Meanwhile the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat when contacted via telephone was not taking his calls as at the time of filing in this report.

By Daniel Domotimi

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