As Christmas approaches, with many families going to shop for the season, markets get busy and become exposed to security risks. But Chinenye Ihenko, chairman, Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) in Onitsha North, in this interview with Emmanuel Ndukuba, assures of security of both traders and customers at Onitsha Main Market and other markets in Anambra State during this season. Excerpts:
Christmas season is almost here and this is usually a busy period. How ready are you to ensure security in Onitsha Main Market and other markets?
We are ready. The only thing I will advise people, particularly the traders, is to resist involvement in any manner of criminality because we are ready for them. Some people may use the opportunity to mess up in the market; no, that can never be done here. We are combat-ready. We are assuring customers coming down to Onitsha markets to buy goods and services of their safety. They are free to come. There is no problem, they should not entertain fears.
What should the traders in the markets do to stay secure?
They should be conscious of themselves; some of them are not security-conscious. Sometimes you see them keep their money carelessly after selling their goods. The miscreants will just come into their shops pretending they are buying goods and steal their money, then the trader will start shouting that his/her money is missing. Some of these criminal elements don’t come with guns; they only have criminal intents and would rob you if you are carried away when selling goods.
My advice to the traders is to be security-conscious, guard their money and goods adequately, while we do ours to stop the hoodlums who parade the markets collecting people’s money, phone, etc. We know how to check them.
How were you able to successfully secure the markets during EndSARS protest?
We did our best, and with God on our side we succeeded. Some of the protesters threatened to enter the markets. We told them we were ready for them, but by the special grace of God, the markets were protected.
The rate of crime has increased in Onitsha and environs after the EndSARS protest and people are complaining. What are you doing about this?
I said that before, some criminals used the opportunity of EndSARS to come back because they felt the environment is porous, but it is not like that. What I am telling them is that they should desist because there is no way for them. You see, police have started their job, and in a short while things would return to normal.
This is also harmattan period, a period known for frequent fire outbreaks. What is your advice to traders to safeguard the markets and their goods?
I want to advise that whatever you are doing this period, you have to be careful the way you switch on and off lights, pack your goods – you have to be conscious of everything you do now.
What do you have to say about the security situation in Anambra State generally?
Our governor, Willie Obiano, is trying. The police rapid response team, the army, State Security Service (SSS) and others are doing their bit as well. It is not easy, security is everybody’s business.
What is your working relationship with the security agencies?
We are working together. We don’t have any problem with them. We work in synergy. We hand over apprehended suspected criminals to them.
You have won many awards for the job you do. What do these awards mean to you?
Whatever good deed you do in your life, people are watching. I am not the one who manufactured these awards, people who know what I am doing did it. I give God the glory. Security is a tough job.
What advice would you give to your men to be civil with people in their duties?
I always advise them to maintain civility during operations. You know there is hardship now, from Covid-19 lockdown to EndSARS protest, people are facing hardship; they have to be cautious in handling people. Things are hard and everybody has to take it easy. But criminals, they have to be treated as such.
