Date: 2017-05-18

The Police Command in Kwara on Wednesday said that it would reorganise vigilante groups across the 16 local government areas of the state to put an end to alleged abuse of human rights by the groups.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olusola Amore, disclosed this in Ilorin at a stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers and leaders of the state branch of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

Amore said that the command had received reports that some vigilante groups based on ethnic affiliations were attacking innocent people instead of complementing efforts of law enforcement agencies.

The Police chief noted that it had come to the fore that some of the vigilante groups were established as armed wings of various tribes.

He said the meeting was summoned to ensure peace in communities and localities and to check anything that could lead to crisis.

Amore observed that communal clashes were becoming prevalent in some parts of the country owing to the influx of people from crisis ridden areas.

He said the command also noted with concern the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

"The government, in collaboration with security agencies, is trying to reorganise the vigilante teams and very soon, that one will come into place," he said.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, urged traditional rulers to monitor strangers in their communities and report any suspicious movements to the authorities.

Represented by Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin, Alhaji Issa Jimoh, the Emir also warned communities against taking laws into their hands. The monarch assured of his commitment to peaceful co-existence in the state and admonished residents to be law abiding at all times.