Members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, Oyo State Command, have called for maximum government support to strengthen their operational capacity in vulnerable communities located around the Old Oyo National Park.
The VGN made the call while reacting to a foiled kidnap attempt in Oriire Local Government Area, during which a child was reportedly killed by a stray bullet fired by suspected bandits.
The vigilantes said the suspects could have been easily apprehended if they had adequate firepower to engage the criminals.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria on the incident, which recently occurred at Alatori village in Oriire Local Government Area, the State Operations Officer of the VGN, Mr. Kola Olaoye, commended the courage of the villagers for alerting security personnel after observing suspicious activities in the community.
Mr. Olaoye disclosed that some women in the village had earlier alerted local vigilantes after noticing strange individuals who came into the community to purchase food items and cigarettes.
He stressed the need for government to provide the necessary support and equipment to boost the morale and operational effectiveness of vigilantes working in vulnerable communities.
Residents of the community also expressed concern over the possible presence of more bandits within the forest reserve, urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure the Old Oyo National Park against renewed insurgency and criminal activities.
Residents of Oriire Local Government are still recovering from the trauma of the abduction of pupils and teachers in the area by suspected bandits before they were finally released after 56days in captivity.