‘Yomi Ayeleso | Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti state government has warned residents against giving information or support to kidnappers and bandits to unleash terror on the people of the state.
The state governor, Biodun Oyebanji who was represented by the deputy governor, Chief Monisade Afuye spoke during a stakeholders engagement in Emure-Ekiti, Emure Local Government Area of the state, expressing regret over the death of a 14-year-old girl Faith Moses by suspected herders gunmen in the town last week.
While describing the teenager’s death as painful and devastating, Afuye said strangers perpetrating such horrendous acts in the town should be fished out and made to face the full weight of the law.
She said two suspects, had been nabbed by the police in connection with the murder, adding that those perpetrating the murderous act must be savouring internal collusion with the locals, which he said must be curbed.
The deputy governor urged the citizens to be vigilant, adding that the military post created along Emure-Eporo-Emure Ile was enough to checkmate the kidnappers along that border post with Ondo State, but regretted that this was being thwarted by internal collusion.
According to her, ” Let me sympathise with you on the death of one of your citizens killed just recently. I was saddened by the report of this killing. But I want you to be vigilant. There is no way some people can enter your town and start kidnapping and killing without some people feeding them with information.
“This government is empowering all the security agencies and the local hunters to make Ekiti safe. We are also working with other neighbouring states like Kwara, Ondo, Kogi and Osun States. The forest combing should be sustained and this should be done with the security agencies.
“But, warn your youth who are in the habit of colluding with external bodies to create an atmosphere of insecurity. In fact, in most cases, they are the ones supplying information to these kidnappers. All these must stop. We will work hard to make you secure and you shouldn’t do anything that will frustrate our efforts.”
On the fierce tussle over vacant Elemure stool in the community, the government denied the insinuation that the government was planning to impose a candidate, saying the current administration doesn’t meddle in the internal affairs and tradition of any town.
The Elemure’s royal seat, rated to be among the Pelupelu First Class traditional rulers and most coveted in Ekiti history, became a vacant sequel to the demise of Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, a retired Police Commissioner, on May 31, 2023.
The deputy governor urged the Ruling House next to present a candidate for the exalted royal seat and the kingmakers to exhibit neutrality, honour and honesty in making the right and most acceptable candidate that will usher development into the town.
Addressing the town on the matter of increasing security in the area, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana(retd) assured the people that no effort will be spared to ensure that Ekiti is safe for all inhabitants under the current government.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti Command, Joseph Eribo, said his men and officers would continue to mount concerted efforts in synergising with the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and operatives of the Agro Rangers in repelling these bandits.
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