… Warns against internal collaboration with criminals
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has assured residents of the state of zero tolerance for acts of terror, senseless killings and abductions, pledging decisive action to curb insecurity.
The Governor gave the assurance during a sympathy visit to Eda-Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, following last Tuesday’s attack on a church by gunmen, which led to the killing of a pastor and the abduction of 16 residents.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji said the government had continued to respond swiftly and proactively to security challenges through effective collaboration with security agencies.
He stressed that firm measures had been put in place to ensure Ekiti does not become a haven for criminals and terrorists.
Expressing deep sadness over the incident, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
As part of immediate security measures, he directed Christians in Eda-Oniyo and the wider Ilejemeje area to temporarily suspend night vigil services, urging that religious activities be held during the daytime until the situation improves.
Oyebanji also cautioned residents against internal collaboration with criminal elements, noting that such actions often aid attacks on communities.
“Let us suspend night vigils for now and hold our religious activities during the day. This is not to stop anyone from practising their faith, but to take necessary precautions at this critical time,” he said.
In his remarks, the Eleda of Eda-Oniyo, Oba Johnson Awolola, said the community urgently needs a stronger security presence, given its proximity to the Kwara State border.
He lamented that incidents of kidnapping and killings had become recurrent in the area, describing the situation as distressing for residents.
“We are suffering here. This is not the first time such incidents have happened, but it is becoming too frequent,” the monarch said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Eda-Oniyo Progressive Union, Dr Rufus Ajayi, disclosed that the community had initiated the construction of a police station along the Eda-Oniyo–Obbo Ayegunle border to enhance security.
He appealed to the state government to support the completion of the project and consider establishing a military post in the area.
According to him, the 16 abducted victims, including women and children, are still in captivity, with kidnappers demanding a minimum ransom of N150 million.
“We are in an emergency and urgently need government intervention,” he said.
The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, commended the state government for prioritising citizens’ security and urged residents to remain vigilant.
He encouraged the public to report suspicious movements and avoid shielding criminal elements within their communities.
“Let us expose the bad eggs among us. We cannot afford to protect those who threaten our collective safety,” he added.
The attack occurred when armed men stormed a church programme in the border community on Tuesday evening, killing the presiding pastor and abducting 16 worshippers.
