File: Some seized weapons

Mr Olanrewaju Olabinjo, the Provost Marshal, Onyabo Vigilance Group (OVG), Ikorodu, Lagos State, has urged the state government to provide crime-fighting equipment to the group to enhance security in the area.

Olabinjo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos that availability of such equipment would boost the performances of his officials.

He attributed the group’s success to members’ enthusiasm and support from some eminent persons including Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu.

“We want the state government to come to our aids by providing equipment, especially utility vehicles, safety vests, uniforms, baton, among others.

“In some cases, when we are going out to raid suspected hoodlums, we have to hire vehicles.

“We need assistance from the state government to boost our efficiency,’’ Olabinjo said.

He said that the group had recorded a lot of achievements since its establishment, including the arrest and handing over of some suspected members of Badoo cult group to the police.

Olabinjo said that the group also assisted in the recovery of arms and ammunition from suspected cult members.

According to him, the group has collaborated with other security agencies to carry out its functions successfully.

The provost marshal appealed to residence of the community to cooperate with his officials by providing useful information that could further enhance security of lives and property.

“We are rendering a selfless service to the community; most times, we fuel the utility vehicle, we also buy uniforms.

“Most of our officers have families they cater for; I think there should be a way to encourage them by the government.”