Following the October 19 attack in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State in which two traditional rulers were killed, monarchs in the state have appealed to the state government to assign more roles to them in combating crime.
The royal father of Awaka ancient kingdom and Chairman, Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze Akujobi David Osuagwu, said as the people nearer to the grassroots they will be able to give early warning signals to avert crimes and criminality.
Akujobi, who is also the deputy chairman, Imo State traditional institution and community policing, made the plea during an interaction with newsmen in his palace at Awaka.
He stated that a situation where royal fathers are now victims of deadly attacks fell short of the position of the traditional institution in community policing.
He said, “In my opinion, the traditional institution which I am part of is supposed to be the custodian of the people’s culture and tradition.
“In addition to that is the added responsibility of protecting their people which is why government at every level feels that royal fathers should be allowed to take up the responsibility of protecting their communities but we cannot effectively carry out that responsibility without the necessary support.”
He reassure the governor of the support and goodwill of traditional rulers towards restoring normalcy to the state.
Akujobi solicited the use and adequate provision of incentives, uniforms and fire arms to local vigilantes to complement the efforts of security agencies in fighting crime, since their services are under the royal fathers whose job it is to safeguard their communities
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