Ekiti deploys troops as govt condemns Ilejemeje community attack

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State Government has condemned the attack on Eda Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, describing it as heinous, barbaric and unacceptable. 

In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the government sympathised with families affected by the attack and assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the area and rescue victims.

The government disclosed that a high-powered security team had been deployed to the community to coordinate response operations, adding that the team is being led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.).

It said the operation involves a joint effort of security agencies, including the police, army, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes, working together to restore calm and track down the attackers.

“In furtherance of efforts to restore order, the government has ordered the deployment of the 148 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, alongside its Commanding Officer, to the community,” the statement said.

Security sources also confirmed that surveillance and search-and-rescue operations have been intensified in the affected area. The aim, according to the government, is to ensure the safe return of abducted persons.

Preliminary assessments indicated that the attacked church is located near a forest, a factor authorities said underscores the need for heightened security in border communities and vigilance by residents.

“The government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of this reprehensible act are brought to justice,” the statement added, as residents were urged to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information.