…warns against internal connivance with criminals
…suspends vigil programmes

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has assured residents that his administration will not condone acts of terror, senseless killings, or abductions, pledging that every necessary strategy would be deployed to guarantee the safety and security of citizens.

Oyebanji said his government had continued to respond swiftly and proactively to security challenges through effective synergy with security agencies, stressing that Ekiti would never become a safe haven for terrorists and other criminal elements.

The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a sympathy visit to Eda Oniyo Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, following the recent invasion of a church by gunmen, which led to the killing of a pastor and the abduction of 16 worshippers.

The armed abductors had on Tuesday evening stormed the Ekiti/Kwara boundary community during a church programme, killing the presiding pastor and abducting 16 members of the congregation.

Addressing residents during the visit, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, expressed sadness over the tragic incident but assured the people that the administration was fully prepared to guarantee the safety of all residents.

He appealed to Christians in the community to comply with the temporary suspension of vigil programmes in the town until the security situation improves, describing the measure as part of efforts to curb further attacks.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to evolve strategies to check trans-border banditry and criminality capable of endangering lives and causing panic among residents.

He urged communities along the boundaries with Kwara, Osun and Kogi states to remain vigilant and collaborate with government in preventing the influx of criminals through forests and other porous routes.

Oyebanji also urged the community to look inward and expose criminal elements, noting that internal collusion was contributing to the repeated attacks.

“This government is deeply saddened by this development. We had planned to site an industry along that forest axis, but our people resisted it. Government cannot acquire your land without adequate compensation.

“It is not only Ilejemeje that shares boundaries with Kwara State. Why is criminality more prevalent here than in other border communities?

“This government will never abandon you. We will work tirelessly to ensure that those abducted are rescued alive. We feel your pain and understand what you are going through.

“On the issue of a police station and military post, we will work hard to ensure their delivery soon.

“Those of you serving as informants and collaborators to these criminals should desist in the interest of your people and the corporate image of our state.

“Let us suspend vigil activities for now. Let us also hold our religious programmes during the daytime. Nobody is stopping anyone from practicing their faith, but we must adopt necessary security measures at this critical time,” he said.

The Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Johnson Awolola, said only swift government intervention could address the recurring incidents of abduction and killings in the community.

The monarch stressed the need for tighter security across the entire local government area, given its location along the Kwara State border.

Describing the attack as traumatic and unfortunate, Oba Awolola commended the state government for showing sympathy and solidarity with the community.

“The government should urgently intervene in our case. We are suffering here. This is not the first time we are experiencing kidnapping and killings, but the incidents are becoming too frequent and we are deeply saddened,” the monarch said.

Speaking on efforts by the community to tackle insecurity, Chairman of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union, Dr Ajayi, said the town had commenced the construction of a police station along the Eda Oniyo–Obbo Ayegunle border as part of measures to safeguard lives and property.

He appealed to the government to support the completion of the project and also establish a military post in the area to reinforce security.

“The 16 people abducted six days ago are still in captivity. Many of them are women and young children. The kidnappers are demanding a minimum ransom of N150 million.

“The community has made offers, but they rejected them. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid. We are in an emergency situation,” he said.

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Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr Folorunso Olabode, commended the state government for prioritising the security of residents and demonstrating commitment to restoring peace to the community.

Olabode urged residents of Ilejemeje Local Government to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

“Let us remain vigilant and expose the bad eggs among us. We cannot afford to shield them because they pose a grave danger to our collective existence,” he said.

Present at the meeting were the member representing Ilejemeje Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okiemen, religious leaders, community leaders, political stakeholders, youths and other residents.