International Day of Peace: VGN commandant urges Nigerians to promote peace

The Commandant-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Navy Captain (rtd) Abubakar Umar Bakori, weekend urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another and shun violence.

Captain Bakori made this call during an interaction with the media in Kaduna to commemorate the International Day of Peace.

Every year on September 21, the United Nations observes the International Day of Peace, a day dedicated to resolving conflicts driven by religious, linguistic, and tribal differences worldwide.

Captain Bakori said, “The most important thing is for us to live in peace with each other. Peace is the foundation for rapid progress in any community.

“Violence only brings poverty and hunger. Let’s live in peace and stop killing each other.”

Recalling Nigeria’s past prosperity, he said, “There was a time when we were in poverty in northern Nigeria, but we were seen as the owners of Nigeria’s wealth because we lived in peace with each other. Therefore, we should stand up and restore this peace.

“We have over one million patrolmen, who are familiar with their homelands and are ready to go wherever they are ordered to protect lives.”

He questioned the government’s reluctance to utilise the local heroes, saying, “Why won’t the government use these men to deal with terrorists? Instead, governors claim to spend huge sums on separate security initiatives.”

Captain Bakori vowed that with necessary support and equipment, the vigilante group can effectively counter terrorists. 

“They (Bandits) are not demons; they are human beings. If the government truly wants to end insecurity, they should encourage these local volunteers.”