Ofu LG Caretaker Chairman, Hassan Atawodi seeks collaboration with vigilante, hunters group to strengthen local security »

Keeping to his words on the day he took the mantle of leadership in Ofu Local Government Area, Hon. Hassan Atawodi reinstated his commitment to ensuring the security of lives and properties in the Local Government Area today, being the 15th day of January 2024.

The meeting, which commenced immediately after the chairman laid a wreath in honour of our fallen heroes to mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day, is a strategic move aimed at encouraging and motivating security agencies and other paramilitary organisations to discharge their duties with every sense of responsibility.

The meeting had in attendance Mr. Jacob Apeaz, the DPO, the Commandant of the Civil Defence, the heads of the local vigilante group, and the Nigerian Hunters Association. This call for collaboration between federal security agencies and local security organisations signifies a proactive approach towards addressing security concerns in the Ofu Local Government Area and enhancing the safety of the local community.

Emphasising the importance of unity in tackling security challenges in the local government, Hon. Hassan Atawodi asserts that without unity, there will be lapses in the security architecture. “Unity is key in whatever we do. Even within oneself, there must be unity to have peace of mind. As security agencies, if you lack unity within you, you may not achieve your purpose. Let us all work as one for a better result. Our aim is to make sure that the local government is peaceful and people can go to bed and sleep with their two eyes closed. This we can only achieve if we are working as one united security family,” he said.

According to the chairman, the inclusion of both the vigilante group and Nigerian hunters is a comprehensive approach aimed at leveraging the unique skills and local knowledge of each entity. “The vigilante group and Nigerian Hunters are sons and daughters of the land. They know the nooks and crannies of the area; they know everyone in the area; they will help in the area of information gathering and boost your numerical strength; please collaborate with them to achieve the maximum result.”

One of the focal points of the meeting was the identification of specific security challenges within the local government. Hon. Hassan Atawodi encouraged an open dialogue, ensuring that the insights and experiences of both the vigilante group and Nigerian hunters would contribute to the formulation of targeted and effective security solutions.

Also in attendance at the meeting are the Ejeh of Ofu and the chairman of the Ofu traditional counsel, Alhaji Akuh Obaje. The Ejeh used the occasion to congratulate the newly appointed chairman and pray for a fruitful tenure. He equally praised the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining law and order in the local government and charged them to work harder at discharging their duties.

Hon. Hassan Atawodi expressed his appreciation to the security agencies for their support for his predecessor. He equally congratulated them as the nation celebrates their late colleagues, our fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in exchange for peace in the country at large and the Ofu Local Government Area in particular. He assured them of the local government’s support in terms of resources and coordination, emphasising the importance of sustained collaboration for long-term security success.

The Chairman also visited the Onu of Itobe, who assured him of maximum coordination and corporations in his own locality. The traditional ruler prayed for a successful and fruitful tenure for the chairman and pledged his unreserved support for the growth of the local government area.