The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has warned citizens against colluding with the rampaging foreign criminal elements in the wake of renewed attacks by bandits .
The governor also assured the residents that his administration won’t condone any act of terror , senseless killings or abduction of its citizens, stressing that no stone would be left unturned to ensure safety and security of the populace.
The governor gave the assurance in Eda Oniyo Ekiti , Ilejemeje Local Government Area, on Sunday, during a sympathy visit to the community on the recent invasion of a church by gunmen, leading to the killing of a pastor and abduction of 16 residents.
This assurance came as churches in the community were shutdown in honour of the deceased pastor , and in solidarity with families affected by last Tuesday’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Number Two, Eda-Oniyo.
Places of worship affected include the Anglican Church, Christ Apostolic Church, Deeper Life Bible Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Hope of Life, Cherubim and Seraphim and the Assemblies of God Church, among others.
Oyebanji stated that his government has been responding swiftly and proactively to issues of security and safety with all seriousness through synergy with security agencies, saying Ekiti won’t become a safe haven for terrorists and criminals.
Represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye,the governor expressed sadness over the gory incident, but he was upbeat that his administration is well prepared to ensure safety of all citizens.
The governor appealed to christians in the community to comply with the suspension of vigil programmes in the town until this matter is resolved, saying this forms part of the strategies to curb insecurity.
The governor stressed the resolve of his administration to map out strategy to checkmate trans border banditry and criminality that could endanger the lives of the populace and cause unwarranted panic in the system..
He called on the residents of the border post of Kwara, Osun and Kogi States to be extra vigilant and work with government to thwart influx of criminals into the state through the sprawling forests and other porous sections of their communities.
He urged the community to look inwards and purge themselves of criminal elements, saying internal collusion with criminals, is fuelling invasion of the community.
“This government is not happy about this. Government wanted to site an industry along that forest, but our people resisted it. Government can’t take your lands without paying compensation. It is not only Ilejemeje that shares boundary with Kwara, why is criminality higher here than other towns?
“This government will never abandon you. We will work hard to rescue those abducted alive. We really feel your pains and what you are passing through. On this issue of police station and military post, we will work hard on it and deliver soon.
“Those of you who are their informants and collaborators, please, change your ways in the interest of your people and the corporate image of our State
“Let us suspend vigil for now. Let us hold all our religious functions in the day and I know God will answer our prayers. Nobody is trying to stop you from practising religion of your choice, but we have to take security measures at this crucial time”.
The Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Johnson Awolola, said only the government timely intervention can resolve the problem of abduction and killing in the community, saying the security of the entire local government must be tight and waterforced being located in the Kwara State’s border area.
Describing the invasion of his community as traumatizing and saddening, Oba Awolola, applauded the state government for showing sympathy and solidarity with the town at this moment of grief.
“The government should look into our case. We are suffering here This is not the first time kidnapping and killing will occur. But it is becoming recurrent and we are really sad about it”, the monarch regretted.
Speaking about the efforts being devised by the community to stem the tide of insecurity , the Chairman, Eda Oniyo Progressive Union, Dr. Ajayi, said the town had embarked on the building of a Police Station along Eda Oniyo and Obbo Ayegunle border post, as part of the measures to ensure security of lives and property.
Dr Ajayi appealed to the government to help in the completion of the Police Post and to as well erect a Military Post at the said border to reinforce security in the town.
“16 people that were abducted six days ago are still there. There are many young children and women among them. They are asking for a sum N150 million minimum as ransom. The community offered money, the kidnappers rejected it. We are pleading with government to help us. We are in an emergency situation”.
Lending his voice, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Folorunso Olabode, appreciated the state government for prioritizing the security of the citizens and demonstrate commitment to rescue the town from the insecurity conundrum.
Olabode appealed to the residents of Ilejemeje council to be security conscious and report suspicious movements to the security agencies for prompt actions.
“Let us be more vigilant and sacrifice the bad eggs among us. We can’t afford to cover them up. They are dangerous to our existence”, he said .
Present at the parley were a member of the House of Assembly, representing Ilejemeje Constituency, Hon Iyabo Fakunle-Okiemen, religious leaders, community leaders, political class, youths, among others.