Igboho vows to flush out bandits, kidnappers from South-West
By Boye Oyeyemi
Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has vowed to intensify efforts to drive bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements out of the South-West.
Igboho said the Iru Ekun Security Network, which he founded, would sustain its operations against threats to communities, forests and highways, insisting that the group would not retreat until residents could move about without fear.
He made the declaration on Thursday in Akure, Ondo State, during the inauguration of Iru Ekun in the state, where volunteers were also instructed on how to participate in the security initiative.
According to a statement issued by Igboho’s media office, the activist attributed the reported decline in kidnapping, banditry and clashes between farmers and herders in parts of the region to cooperation between Iru Ekun and conventional security agencies.
According to him, the objective was to restore public confidence in the ability of government to protect lives and property, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences.
Igboho, however, warned members of the network against engaging criminals recklessly, directing them to alert the police, military, Department of State Services and other relevant agencies before confronting suspected bandits.
He disclosed that a member of the group was recently killed by armed bandits during a gun battle in Iwere-Ile, urging volunteers to remain alert and avoid actions that could expose them to unnecessary danger.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government and traditional rulers have backed the security initiative. The Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, pledged support for Iru Ekun and called on residents to cooperate with security agencies to strengthen peace and safety across the state.
