Residents of Rumuobasiorlu, Aleruchi and Asobruenwu community, all in Rumuigbo, now face the twin burdens of having to remain security conscious and the need to be consistent in the payment of their monthly security dues, even as heads of the security outfit have put measures in place to ensure that no resident escapes making contributions to the general safety and security in the community.
The decision came to the fore following an emergency security meeting at the instance of the leaders of the group. Earlier in the month of July, the organizers had invited landlords and tenants, where debate over non-payment of the monthly dues by some compounds had generated a serious concern, even as the foot soldiers (vigilantes) had issued warning ahead of the likelihood of discontinuing with the night watch.
It would be recalled that the three streets in the community were once under constant attacks by criminals and hoodlums who used to break into houses at midnights to rob people of their belongings. But since the commencement of the security arrangement in the area over a year now, residents have attested to the fact that the level of criminality in the area has fallen significantly.
According to a member of the security committee in the area, who preferred anonymity, “people are relaxed now compared to a time when everybody was helpless, giving robbers field day without remorse. But, it is annoying that some people have forgotten the past experience, to the extent that they don’t consider payment of security dues as important anymore. The boys are always working, they are awake when residents would have gone to sleep, it is unfair not to be sensitive to their welfare.”
Similarly, one of the security boys in the area, popularly call ‘UC’ complained about the nonchalant attitude of some residents. He lamented that but for few individuals who say it fit to appreciate them occasionally, some compounds saw no reason to cooperate with the committee. He called for a change of heart, saying that nobody would be interested in a risky job without regular pay.
Meanwhile, as part of measures to ensure regular payment of the security dues, the security committee members have embarked on strict compliance strategies which include total check on the movement of the people and vehicles, apart from total barricade of one of the gates at the beginning of every month. According to our source, this method had been useful in checking people in and out during enforcement: “We already gave cards to every resident, this helps us to know who are the people owing what. Whereby you delay payment for more than a month or two, we would ensure that you as a pedestrian or a motorist is not allowed to go out. Even your visitors are prohibited from coming to see you if you are owing us.
“Though we have disagreements amongst ourselves, this method has continued to help us live without owing the security personnel.”
