By Uche Nworah, Ph.D
This is a picture of Nnewi security command center. Very commendable. Anambra communities are now waking up to the realization that they should not just wait on government alone to protect their indigenes and secure their communities.
One after the other, they are launching upscaled security initiatives. The local vigilante groups are being re-kitted, placed on improved pay, life insurance policies are being introduced, weapons, vehicles and other security equipment are being bought, thus improving the morale of the operatives. Most importantly, they are going the way of tech in crime prevention. The vigilante operatives work collaboratively with government security agencies.
Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka local government and Alor in Idemili South local government, all in Anambra state, have also launched town-wide CCTV surveillance and re-jigged their communities’ security architecture. This is way to go for other communities. The revamped security system are funded by the communities themselves through contributions by their indigenes.
Ndigbo have always championed self-help community development initiatives since the end of the Nigeria/Biafra war. We contribute money and build our town halls, hospitals, markets, and roads in our various communities. We build classroom blocks, award scholarships, build ICT centers, and sink boreholes. Sometimes some individuals take it upon themselves and sponsor solely some of these projects.
Seeing what insecurity has cost the region, it’s about time that other communities adopt some of these new initiatives. We should not wait for the government alone to secure our various communities. Government is battling dwindling resources and fighting competing interests. Also, politicking does get in the way.
Communities should prioritize security in their community development projects. This will encourage individuals and businesses fleeing as a result of insecurity to return. Burials, weddings and other events which are now being held in Lagos, Abuja and other distant places will gradually return. Local caterers, hotels and entertainers will become busy again.
@Uche Nworah