Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West Senatorial District is alleging that a vigilante group, ‘Vigilante Service Group’ recently created by the Kogi State Government is on a killing spree.
He also alleged that the establishment of the group was an attempt to introduce state police in the state.
While making the allegation at the plenary on Wednesday, Melaye moved a motion seeking the intervention of the Senate on the legalisation of the armed group in Kogi.
Melaye, who read from a copy of the law establishing the group, emphasised Section 15 of the law which empowers the group to carry “dane guns, hunter’s gun and other light weapons” that are commensurate with their duties and responsibilities.
According to him, it was similar to how ‘Maitasine’ started in Kano which was not contained and became damaging.
“This is how Boko Haram started. This is how Sarasuka started. The Senate will not fold its arms and close its eyes, where a state government is equipping militia groups to wreck havoc on innocent citizens.
“This group is already killing in every part of Kogi State,” according to Melaye.
He stated that the establishment of the VSG in Kogi was in conflict with the Constitution.
He alleged that the functions of the group was in conflict with those of the Nigeria Police Force as stipulated in Section 214 of the Constitution.