Ire-Ekiti community cries out over persistent robbery attacks

THE Onire of Ire-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Victor Bobade and leaders of the community have cried out to the state government for protection following what they described as the persistent robbery attacks in the town.

The people of the community said in a statement that the armed robbery attacks had become “a source of worry for all of us and the disturbing trend in the town does not look like it will end without some decisive steps by the relevant authorities.”

The President of Ire-Ekiti Development Union, Mr. Pius Faboya, who spoke on behalf of the traditional ruler and the people, said the attacks mostly take place at the roads leading to the community, saying “it started with Ire- Ilupeju Road and the following day, they moved to Ire-Afao Road. The robbers are alternating the two roads.”

Faboya recalled that, “about two years ago, same incident occurred in which they shot at some people. This time, they have also shot at people. They shot at the Accountant of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), on his way to the Joan Taiwo Daramola Memorial Hospital in the community, run by the EKSUTH.

”We have reported to the police and Oba Bobade acknowledged that the police swung into action. But they could do more because the robberies have not stopped. The government can really help us to overcome the problem, because we want enough security patrol which should be specifically for the road. That’s what we want.

“The government can further assist us by repairing the roads leading to Ire-Ekiti.  All the roads leading to our community are very bad. It is as if we are not part of Ekiti State.”

Also speaking, the Amuludun of Ire-Ekiti, Chief Femi Ajayi, lamented that “the people at home are living in fear while those outside Ire-Ekiti are afraid of going home.”

Chief Ajayi said “this disturbing trend needs urgent government intervention and, apart from providing adequate security, the roads, especially Ire-Ilupeju; Ire-Afao and Ire-Igbemo also need urgent attention because they are really bad.”

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the state government has assured the people of the community that construction work would start as soon as the dry season commences.