The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWA) Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has called on political parties to do away with vigilante groups ahead of election 2016.

In times past vigilante groups and unregulated security groups such as Kandahar boys, Bolga Bulldogs and Azorka boys have been involved in violent clashes which have left victims injured. This has led to members of the general public calling for such groups to be disbanded.

The Inspector General of Police earlier this year also indicated his intention to disband all vigilante groups associated with political parties ahead of this year’s general elections.

Speaking to journalists after a monitoring and evaluation session, Dr. Chambas said the presence of such groups could fuel violence. He said “In our analyses it is evident to us that existence of the vigilante groups and macho men is one that could raise likelihood of violence”.

“We acknowledge that these groups are likely to stir a political climate of intolerance and violence that cannot be conducive and helpful in the preparations towards the impending elections” he added.

He finally called on political parties to campaign peacefully sine they have a responsilbilty “to safeguard the stability and unity of the country”.