The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday, cautioned Vigilance Groups in Lagos and Ogun states against a resort to what it described as unlawful and extra-judicial actions.
This is coming against the backdrop of reports on the rising wave of crimes and gang violence in some parts of both states.
iBrandTV had reported that, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce to clampdown robbers and hoodlums terrorising residents of the state.
Sanwo-Olu said that the government would not abandon this responsibility at any time, hence, there was no room whatsoever in Lagos State for criminal gangs or miscreants of any kind.
Meanwhile, APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu on Wednesday in Abuja said there are reports that some of the vigilance groups are now attacking innocent people.
READ ALSO:Â Lockdown Unrest: Crackdown hoodlums in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu orders Army, Navy, others
“In responding to this ugly situation, we would like to caution the various vigilante groups to resist the urge to resort to unlawful and extra-judicial actions in the name of protecting communities.
“There are already disturbing reports of vigilantes terrorising innocent citizens. What we all need now is to offer ourselves support and ensure we provide as much comfort as possible for one another.
“While the government and private concerns are doing their best to provide relief, we all have a responsibility to join our security services in protecting ourselves and communities from miscreants”, APC said.
The party assured Nigerians that the emerging opportunistic crimes that have been recorded in those areas as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown will soon be brought under check.
READ ALSO:Â COVID-19: NCDC confirms 11 more cases in Lagos as toll rise to 373
“The key responsibility of government remains ensuring the safety and security of lives and property of all citizens. From the renewed and intensified Boko Haram counter-insurgency to the enhanced offensive against emerging crimes in other parts of the country, the government would continue to take bold steps to secure the country and the citizenry.
“In line with the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari during his broadcast on Monday, a major and coordinated offensive by the Police, Army, Navy, Airforce and Directorate of State Services (DSS) is underway against the miscreants.
“There is no dispute about the hardships being faced by many citizens as a result of the unavoidable lockdown. However, we must resist criminal elements trying to exploit the situation and in the process inflicting further hardships on already stressed fellow Nigerians.
“Nigeria is recording great success in tracking, testing suspected cases and generally containing further spread of the COVID-19. We have achieved greater awareness of and adherence to public health directives as it relates to social distancing and other preventive protocols. We are confident that the fight against the global pandemic will be won soon and we all will be able to return to our normal lives and activities. We urge Nigerians to continue to stay safe”, the party stated.
