Grace Adeleke
Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Thursday launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara State, declaring that the outfit would begin operations to dislodge bandits and other criminal elements from forests across the state.
Igboho, who spoke during the inauguration of the security outfit in Ilorin, said forests in parts of Kwara had become safe havens for kidnappers and armed bandits, insisting that the new security network would complement the efforts of conventional security agencies to restore peace.
He announced that the outfit’s first operations would focus on Babanla and Eruku communities, which he described as among the areas worst hit by insecurity.
“The presence of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara has already unsettled criminals. We are heading to Babanla, which many people now describe as a stronghold of bandits.
“We also passed through Eruku on our way from Kogi State, and we will return there. This is our ancestral land, and no criminal can force us to abandon it. Those hiding in our forests cannot intimidate us into surrendering our communities,” he said.
The activist stressed that the security outfit was not established to replace the police, military or other security agencies but to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
“Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies. While local communities can contribute to protecting themselves, that alone is not enough.
“We must work hand in hand with the police, the military and other security agencies. If we unite, we can drastically reduce kidnapping, banditry and every other form of terrorism in our society,” he added.
Igboho alleged that the continued activities of bandits were being aided by collaborators within local communities, urging residents to expose anyone providing intelligence or logistical support to criminal gangs.
“Bandits are not spirits. They have continued to operate because some people within our communities provide them with information and support. It is time for us to hold ourselves accountable.
“Our youths must rise to defend their communities because, with unity and cooperation, we can confront these criminals.
“If you know you are involved in activities that encourage banditry or threaten the peace of our state, this is the time to stop or leave. Anyone found participating in such crimes will face the consequences,” he warned.
The activist also dismissed allegations that the Iru Ekun Security Network was created to target Fulani people, insisting that the outfit’s operations were solely against criminal elements, irrespective of ethnicity.
“Some people have been spreading the false narrative that Sunday Igboho has come to Kwara to fight the Fulani. That is completely untrue.
“We have no problem with innocent Fulani people or any other ethnic group. Our fight is against criminals, regardless of where they come from. We are all Nigerians,” he said.
He advised residents against jungle justice, urging them to hand over unarmed suspects to the police.
“If you suspect anyone of aiding bandits and the person is unarmed, hand the suspect over to the police. Do not take the law into your own hands. However, anyone carrying sophisticated weapons in our forests or attempting to invade our communities poses an immediate threat to innocent lives and must be stopped before carrying out any attack,” he added.
Igboho commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, describing him as a dedicated officer who had demonstrated willingness to collaborate with community-based security initiatives.
Recalling a previous rescue operation along the Oyo-Kwara border, he said the police commissioner promptly deployed officers after being informed of their movement, acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
The activist also dismissed reports that Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq opposed his visit to inaugurate the security outfit.
According to him, he believed the governor remained committed to addressing the security challenges confronting residents.
“I should have arrived in Ilorin much earlier, but there were rumours that the governor did not approve of my visit. I found that difficult to believe because I know Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not make such a decision.
“I also believe he is deeply concerned about the persistent killings and kidnappings in Kwara. If that were not the case, he would not have deployed security agencies to protect the people,” he stated.
Igboho further attributed the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network to President Bola Tinubu, praying for the President’s continued good health and successful completion of his tenure.
The launch of the outfit comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara South Senatorial District, where repeated attacks by armed groups have reportedly displaced residents and forced several traditional rulers to flee their communities.
The inauguration also followed days of controversy over claims that the Kwara State Government had barred Igboho from entering the state to unveil the security outfit.
Despite the controversy, the event was held in Ilorin, with Igboho reiterating that the Iru Ekun Security Network would work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies to tackle insecurity across Kwara State.
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