Allocate funds, Stipends for Civilian Security Organizations, Group urges Delta Govt

A civil society organization,Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement (ISRCA)
AKA “No Justice, No Peace” today urges the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led Delta State Government to allocate funds and Stipends for Civilian Security Groups to enhance crime prevention as well as foster effective community Policing.

ISRCA National Coordinator, Comrade (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen made the call in a statement sent to Our Correspondent in Warri. 

The group said, "inadequate funding" apart from "insufficient staffing", is a persistent challenge that has been facing civilian security organizations in the State. 

According to the group, "Many volunteer groups lack sponsors, resulting in their members not receiving any form of stipends or salary."

It said,"This issue affects various groups, including Vigilante, Anti-Cult, Raiders, and Hunters."

It explained that, "These groups resulted to assume the roles akin to those of the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps, where they verify vehicle and driver's licenses, impound vehicles, and thereby leveraging these assumed roles to arrest, detain and extort money from the public for their sustenance."

The group opined that, "Adequate funding for civilian security groups and financial support from the Delta State Government, including payroll integration or allowance provision, would likely mitigate allegations of criminal activity within these groups and reduce their susceptibility to external influences.

"Leveraging the state's security trust fund and the substantial monthly security allocations from the federal government could significantly enhance the welfare of these groups. 

"Conversely, the state government's lack of concern would pose a greater risk to societal safety.

"Given the prevalence of unemployment and scarcity of opportunities for young people to flourish, which has led to an influx of youths into vigilante groups and civilian security organizations, the administration of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori should make youth development a priority as a crucial aspect of Delta State's overall development."