A pan-Yoruba group, the Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji, to urgently establish police stations in communities where traditional rulers have been killed.
AYDM, a coalition of over 130 pan-Yoruba and community-based groups, including the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC-New Era), O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), Covenant Group (CG), Agbekoya, Itsekiri Nationalist Congress (INC), among others, made the call in a signed statement by its General Secretary, Mr. Popoola Ajayi, a copy of which was made available to newsmen.
This comes as the coalition also calls for the immediate recruitment of indigenes of the affected communities into the police, DSS, and Amotekun for effective policing of the area.
AYDM, in making the call, expressed regret over the absence of any police stations in the Ekamefa communities, comprised of six ancient communities: Itapaji, Iye, Ipao, Oke-Ako, Ijowa, and Irele, with a combined population of approximately 30,000 people.
According to the coalition, the nearest police station to some of these communities is about 20km away, noting that for the past 25 years, these communities have been without police stations, leaving them vulnerable to terrorists and armed banditry.
The group emphasized that the absence of police stations has turned the area into an ungoverned territory where kidnappers operate with impunity.
“We appeal to the Inspector-General of Police and the Governor of Ekiti State to establish six police stations, one in each community, as an immediate step to halt the continuous killing of royals, professionals, and ordinary citizens,” AYDM said.
AYDM suggested that the IG could set up makeshift police posts in these communities within a week while preparing for the establishment of standard police stations in the months ahead. They noted sadly that the lack of police stations has made life unbearable and empowered armed groups to operate without hindrance.
Furthermore, the coalition highlighted the historical significance of the affected communities, dating back over one thousand years, and their relevance to Yoruba history, culture, and economy. They recalled that the area was chosen for ranching by the defunct Action Group (AG) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Ekamefa, unknown to many, has one of the most fertile lands in Yorubaland and is the hub of rare species of plants and animals. It boasts rich biodiversity with vast green lush tropical forests and extensive farmland,” AYDM remarked.
“It is one of the few forests in Yorubaland that still harbors cheetahs and buffaloes, both of which now face extinction. AYDM recalled that the Action Group (AG) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, chose the area for ranching, which thrived for many years.
“The communities in the eighteenth century produced remarkable warriors who defended Yorubaland against Fulani invasion and played a significant role in the Ekiti Parapo War, which ended in 1886,” the coalition stated.
AYDM expressed the willingness of the communities to collaborate with the Inspector-General of Police but expressed frustration with security initiatives that exclude indigenous people, who are the direct victims of such atrocities.
The coalition warned that if the IG fails to act, they are prepared to take the case of Ekamefa to the United Nations.
“Establishing police posts is the most straightforward action the IG can take. There is a military checkpoint in the area that has been compromised.
“What the people need are police stations staffed by individuals who live among them and understand their fears and aspirations.
“The Ekamefa people are traumatized, and many have been forced to flee their community due to the pervasive fear and melancholy,” AYDM asserted.
AYDM commended Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State for his swift responses and dedication to addressing the violence in the state within the legal limitations imposed by Nigeria’s defective federalism.
The coalition urged security operatives to keep the public updated on investigations in line with global best practices and cautioned against creating diversions through selective arrests, diverting attention from the real issue of “ancient armed invasion and terrorism in Yorubaland.”
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