A herbalist, Chief Yomi Hassan has alleged that the activities of vigilante groups in Agbor now constitutes a threat to lives in Ika land.
He narrated his ordeal in the hands of the vigilante groups, calling for their reform or outright disbandment. He disclosed this at his Agbor Obi residence in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
In the words of the herbal doctor, “I want to say unequivocally that the members of the local security outfits are arrogant, intimidating, aggressive, putting people in police cell illegally, giving judgement on marital cases, two-fighting and land issues”.
Dr Hassan said: ”I was a victim of their illegality because of land issues. They brought them to my house to arrest me in the company of one Mr. Akaeze and Friday Enwemeke.
‘’They boastfully took me to Agbor police station in an agreement with the DCO. The DPO detained me more than the actual time. I paid N80,000 to bail myself the following day.
He added, “After my bail, I took the matter to court to seek redress, which the court ruled in my favour. If this could be done to a chief, the Ekwueme 1 of Akumazi Kingdom like me in Ika land, imagine what they would do to harmless and innocent citizens in the land”
“I have severally met members of vigilante groups when maltreating innocent people, mounting roadblocks, judging husband and wife matters, property issues, blowing of siren inside the town to scare people away from the road, using a gun to hit cars, okada riders to give way, and disobeying the traffic light.
He appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to look seriously into the activities of the vigilante groups in Ika land, especially in Agbor. ‘’The state government should step in to set up an enquiry committee where people will channel their complaints’’.
He added that the state government should also ban vigilantes from using guns, disobeying traffic lights, blowing sirens in the day, mounting roadblocks, checking okada riders and vehicle particulars, going to people’s houses for arrest, delivering judgment on what does not concern them.
