Yoruba Nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has vowed that efforts to tackle criminal activities across the South-West will continue to ensure improved security in the region.
He credited the recent decline in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in Yorubaland to the strategic backing provided to the Iru Ekun Security Network by the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
In a statement issued by Igboho’s media office and forwarded to The PUNCH in Ibadan, the activist made the remarks during the inauguration of Iru Ekun in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Igboho described security as a shared responsibility that should transcend political, ethnic and religious differences.
“Our commitment is to restore the confidence of our people in the South-West in the government’s ability to guarantee a peaceful and enabling environment for healthy socio-economic development.
“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 began operations, backed by the police, military personnel and 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 into their safe haven.
“Everything humanly and legally possible must be done to support the administration of President Bola 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 outlining the operational procedures of the security outfit to volunteers who joined in Ondo State, Igboho warned them against engaging criminals without first informing the appropriate security agencies.
“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 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 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, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alongside prominent traditional rulers in the state, has thrown support behind the Iru Ekun Security Network.
The statement said the Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, hosted Igboho at their respective palaces and pledged their support for the activities of the security outfit.
They also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies in efforts to strengthen security and sustain peace across their communities.
