Yoruba Nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has vowed to sustain efforts aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across the South-West.
Igboho made the declaration on Thursday during the launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Akure, Ondo State.
According to a statement from his media office, Igboho attributed the reported decline in cases of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in parts of the region to the support and collaboration received by the security outfit from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
He described security as a collective responsibility that should involve everyone regardless of political, ethnic or religious differences.
“Our commitment is to restore the confidence of our people in the South-West in the government’s ability to guarantee a peaceful and enabling environment for healthy socioeconomic development,” he said.
Igboho claimed that the activities of kidnappers, bandits and suspected criminal herders, which had previously disrupted farming communities and other settlements, had reduced since the commencement of operations by Iru Ekun with the backing of security agencies.
He stressed that the group would continue its efforts until forests, highways and farming communities across the South-West are made safer.
“We are not backing down or relenting until we make the South-West forests, highways and agrarian communities safe for all,” he said.
Igboho also urged members of the security network to work within the law and maintain close communication with conventional security agencies.
While addressing volunteers in Ondo State, he warned them against confronting suspected criminals without first notifying the police or other relevant security authorities.
He urged members to remain vigilant when they observe suspicious activities along highways linking Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states, as well as within their communities.
Igboho also disclosed that the security outfit recently lost one of its members in Iwere-Ile during an alleged gun battle with armed bandits.
He called on volunteers to remain alert and exercise caution to avoid unnecessary loss of lives while carrying out their duties.
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and prominent traditional rulers in the state have expressed support for the Iru Ekun Security Network.
The statement said the Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, received Igboho at their respective palaces and pledged their support for the network’s operations.
The traditional rulers also urged their subjects to cooperate with the Iru Ekun initiative, the police and other security agencies to strengthen peace and security across their communities.
