The Leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Worldwide, has on Thursday, asked the Governors of South-East Forum, led by Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, to reinstate the famous “BAKASSI BOYS”, as the region’s Security outfit.
The group’s call came following the proposed plan for regional policing which culminated in the launch of Amotekun, by Governors of the South-West.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike.
Mazi Isigusoro insisted that the reinstatement of the disengaged BAKASSI BOYS, would make the region the most secured in the six geopolitical zones in the country.
“Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide want to use this medium to appeal to Governors of the South-East Forum, to reinstate the proscribed BAKASSI BOYS Vigilante group, as our own Security outfit.
“This is as a result of the ongoing formation of community policing in other regions of the country; of recent was Amotekun, by Governors of the South-West.
“Again, in the North, the Civilian JTF and Hisbah Police, are already there, so ours should not be different. Besides, the return of BAKASSI BOYS will make South-East the most secured region in Nigeria”, he stated.
Although, he added that the BAKASSI BOYS which restored sanity in Abia and Anambra States failed, because of influence of some Politicians and rich individuals.
“But this challenge can be overcome, if operational guidelines, adequate funding, are made available in partnership with the Federal Government and Nigerian Security Operatives supervising their activities.
“The funding should not come from South-East Governors alone, but Federal Government as well. Also, Security Operatives should always monitor and supervise their activities”, he noted.