Today's discussion about Vigilantes is quite interesting. Over the years, I've heard people argue that vigilante groups are not necessary, because most times, they are the perpetrators of the crimes they claim to fight against. Some argue that they are an insult to the armed forces of the country. Well, I do not know about them being an insult, but what I do know is that they risk their own lives to protect their communities.
Source
There used to be a man in my past neighborhood. He was a policeman, and when crime increased in our area, and people suggested forming a vigilante group, he was against it. According to him, depending on some guys who aren't on the force for safety was a slap on his face. He kicked against the idea, and argued that the police would protect us, especially since they have a colleague living there. Some agreed with him, and some didn't, but in the end, the group was disbanded, and three days after that, the neighborhood was robbed. Every house on that street was robbed, including his. Funny enough, he indeed tried to save us, and called his colleagues for help, but they said they'd send help in two hours, which was more than enough time for the robbers to finish their robbery, and flee the scene. Well, long story short, he resigned after that incident, and joined the vigilante group. And some weeks later, those robbers were caught by the vigilante, and punished duly for their crime.
Some weeks ago, I saw a news that people's homes in a particular state were raided by bandits. Many lost their lives, but no one came to their aid until the next day, when the damage had already been done. In another news about that same state, a vigilante group was formed, and during another attack, they fought and defeated these same criminals. Doesn't that say alot about the corrupt world we live in?
When you visit the Police station, there's this reassuring write up about them being our friends, but when trouble breaks out, and you call on these supposed to be friends, they don't show up until everything has quietened. And criminals know this so well. That is why crime has become the top heard news, because they know too well that nobody is coming to save the people until they must've finished their operation.
In our country where corruption has eaten deeper than we can see, try making a report at 2 am. You'd probably be asked to check back in when dawn has broken, or you'd be promised a backup that may never come. Isn't that gambling with people's lives?
But then, when a group of persons come together to create a vigilante group, we kick against them. These people have families too; they're not aliens. But they sacrifice their sleep just to keep people safe. It is something that the authorities have failed to do for us.
Honestly, if the authorities were doing any better, there would've been no need for any vigilante group. But we've been left no choice but to defend ourselves.
So to answer the question, if I had enough money, and resources, I may not actually be a part of the vigilante group, but I'd give them all the support and backup that they need.
With the rate of insecurity in the country, we can't depend on the authorities who are just busy filling their pockets. Every community should have a capable vigilante group that'd defend them if the need arises, because truthfully, the insecurity in the country currently, is way more than the authorities can handle. Deciding to wait on them, would be the end of us.
