From George Onyejiuwa ,Owerri
President-General of Ogbako Igbo Nile, Dr Akpelu Azunna has called on the Igbo to reawaken its community vigilance structures amidst rising insecurity in igbo communities across the South East .
He lamented that banditry, kidnapping and herdsmen attacks in Igbo farmlands were displacing villagers and destroying livelihoods, and urged every town and diaspora group to adopt a village-focused security support initiatives.
He said: “Kidnappings have become a daily threat, even in once peaceful communities. Unknown gunmen now roam our lands, creating fear and forcing our people into silence. Banditry and herdsmen attacks in Igbo farmlands are displacing villagers and destroying livelihoods. Youth restiveness and cultism have infiltrated some of our towns, weakening the moral foundation of our communities.
“We must reawaken our community vigilance structures, the town security outfits, and neighbourhood watch groups. These institutions must be supported, trained and coordinated with the appropriate authorities, not politicised or allowed to become tools of oppression.
“Ogbako Ndigbo Nile Worldwide encourages every town union and diaspora group to adopt a village-focused security support initiative. Through partnerships with local leaders and traditional institutions, we can provide surveillance, intelligence and even economic empowerment for at-risk youths, who are often lured into crime due to poverty,” he said.