The Yoruba nation activist and founder of Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has declared that an onslaught against criminal elements in the South West will continue in order to ensure effective security of the region.
He noted that the recent reduction in cases of kidnapping, banditry and other vicious crimes in Yoruba was as a result of the tactical support of Iru Ekun Security Network by the Police, Nigerian Army, the Department of State Service (DSS) and other security agencies in the country.
A statement from the Igboho media office, on Thursday hinted that the Yoruba nation agitator made this disclosure during the launch of Iru Ekun in Akure, the capital of Ondo.
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Describing security as a collective responsibility of all regardless of political, ethnic and religious divides, Igboho maintained that “our commitment is to restore confidence of our people in the South West in government’s ability to guarantee peaceful and enabling environment for healthy socioeconomic developments.
According to the statement, “It is visible for all to see that the ignoble activities of rogue herders, bandits, and kidnappers, who hitherto shattered the peace of our agrarian communities and other communities, have subsided since Iru Ekun Security Network begins operations backed by the Police, military personnel, DSS operatives.
“We are not backing down or relenting until we make the South West forests, highways and agrarian communities safe for all. We cannot afford to create chances for hoodlums to turn our region to their safe haven.
“Everything humanly and legally possible must be done to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved the establishment of Iru Ekun to further develop the South West and other parts of Nigeria. This can only be achieved through effective security in our region.”
While highlighting the procedures of Iru Ekun to volunteers who joined the security outfit in Ondo, Igboho cautioned them against tackling criminals without notifying relevant security agencies in their domain.
The statement reads further, “Anytime you notice the activities of bandits on highways connecting Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states, or other criminals. in your locality, you must notify the Police and other security agencies before confronting them.
“Be proactive by not sparing any armed bandits because if you hesitate in taking action, you may be shot dead by these deadly criminals. We recently lost one of our members in Iwere Ile to armed bandits who killed him during a gun duel.
“I want you to be at alert so that you don’t lose your life in the course of action. We are resolute and will not back down on our onslaught against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the South West.
“If you notice, you will discover that incidents of kidnapping, banditry, herders and farmers clashes have reduced. We continue to sustain this feat and ensure that the South West is free from these hoodlums.”
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo and prominent traditional rulers in the state, have rallied support for Iru Ekun Security Network.
Receiving Igboho in their palaces, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, respectively promised to back the operations of Iru Ekun, just as they urged their subjects to cooperate with all security agencies with a view to improve safety and peace in their communities.