Igboho vows sustained war against S’West criminals

Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho...Photo Credit: BBC

Yoruba Nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has declared that the fight against criminal elements in the South-West will continue to ensure the effective security of the region.

He attributed the recent reduction in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in Yorubaland to the tactical support given to the Iru Ekun Security Network by the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

A statement from Igboho’s media office, forwarded to The PUNCH in Ibadan, said the activist made the declaration during the launch of Iru Ekun in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Describing security as a collective responsibility regardless of political, ethnic or religious differences, Igboho said, “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 explaining the procedures of Iru Ekun to volunteers who joined the security outfit in Ondo, Igboho cautioned them against confronting criminals without notifying the relevant security agencies in their areas.

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The statement quoted him as saying, “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, the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and prominent traditional rulers in the state have rallied support for the Iru Ekun Security Network.

According to the statement, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, received Igboho in their palaces and pledged to support the operations of Iru Ekun.

They also urged their subjects to cooperate with all security agencies to improve safety and maintain peace in their communities.