Eda Oniyo Attack: Oyebanji Urges Communities To Comply With Vigil Programmes Suspension

Ekiti State government has appealed to Christians in Eda Oniyo Ekiti to comply with the suspension of religious vigil programmes in the town until the security issue in the area is resolved.

This came as leaders of the community disclosed that the abductors are now demanding N15 million as ransom for the release of the 16 kidnapped persons, against the N1 billion earlier demanded after rejecting the amount they offered.

The state governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, who made the appeal, said the directive formed part of the strategies to curb insecurity.

The governor spoke in Eda Oniyo Ekiti headquarters of Ilejemeje local government area yesterday during a sympathy visit to the community on the recent invasion of a church by gunmen, leading to the killing of a pastor and abduction of 16 other residents.

Suspected bandits had stormed the border community on Tuesday last week, when the church was holding a programme, killing the presiding pastor and abducting 16 other worshippers.

Addressing the community, Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, expressed sadness over the gory incident. Still, he was upbeat that his administration was well prepared to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The governor stressed the resolve of his administration to map out a strategy to checkmate trans- border banditry and criminality that could endanger the lives of the populace and cause unwarranted panic in the system.

He assured the residents that his administration won’t condone any act of terror, senseless killings and abduction of its citizens, assuring that every strategy would be devised to ensure the safety and security of the populace.

Oyebanji stated that his government has been responding swiftly and proactively to security and safety issues with utmost seriousness, through synergy with security agencies, saying Ekiti won’t become a haven for terrorists and criminals.

He called on the residents of the border posts in Kwara, Osun, and Kogi States to be extra vigilant and work with the government to thwart the influx of criminals into the State through the sprawling forests and other porous sections of their communities.

Oyebanji urged the community to look inwards and purge itself of criminal elements, saying internal collusion with criminals is fuelling the invasion of the community.

“This government is not happy about this. The government wanted to site an industry in that forest, but our people resisted. The government can’t take your lands without paying compensation. It is not only Ilejemeje that shares a boundary with Kwara; why is criminality higher here than in other towns?

“This government will never abandon you. We will work hard to rescue those abducted alive. We really feel your pain and what you are going through. Regarding the police station and the military post, we will work hard to deliver them soon.

“Those of you who are their informants and collaborators, please, change your ways in the interest of your people and the corporate image of our State.

“Let us suspend vigil for now. Let us hold all our religious functions in the day, and I know God will answer our prayers. Nobody is trying to stop you from practising the religion of your choice, but we have to take security measures at this crucial time”.

The Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola, said only the government’s timely intervention can resolve the problem of abduction and killing in the community, saying the security of the entire local government must be tight, being located in the border area of Kwara State.

Describing the invasion of his community as traumatising and saddening, Oba Awolola applauded the state government for showing sympathy and solidarity with the town at this moment of grief.