Emir Of Ilorin, Saraki Condemn Attack On Kwara Community

The Emir of Ilorin and chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, have condemned the bandits attack on Eruku town, in Ekiti local government area of the state.

Sulu-Gambari, in a statement signed by his press secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, expressed concern over the incident, stressing that, “It is most unfortunate, condemnable and worrisome.”

He noted that it is sad that the dastardly and unpatriotic act occurred when the government at all levels was making concerted efforts towards ridding the nation of banditry, terrorism and other felonious acts.

The Emir, however, appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts by mobilising forces for the safe return of all the victims, even as he mourned those who were killed during the attack.

Also reacting, the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said he received “the sad news of the terrorist attack on Eruku town in my home state, Kwara” with great concern.

According to Saraki, the attack has disrupted “the usually serene and peaceful atmosphere of the town,” therefore requiring immediate and decisive action from the authorities.

“I sympathise with all the victims and their relatives. I pray for Allah’s healing, restoration and strength at this difficult time,” he said.

Saraki urged the federal government and the heads of security agencies to swiftly secure the release of those abducted and strengthen security across the state.

“I call on the federal government, particularly the heads of our security agencies, to urgently act to ensure that the kidnapped victims of this sad incident regain their freedom and return home safely to their loved ones,” he stated.

He further emphasised the need for a robust, long-term security arrangement for the state, given its strategic national position.

“The state is one of the gateways into the country and a link between the southern and northern parts. This makes it deserving of a special security arrangement that will not jeopardise our national interest and internal peace,” Saraki added.

Also, a former chairman of Ekiti local government area, Mr. Akintoba Fatigun, strongly condemned the attack on Eruku community.

Fatigun said the attack was heartbreaking, noting that the Egbe/Eruku/Obbo-Ile road has, for years, remained a terror zone, with criminal elements operating freely.

Fatigun commiserated with the Owa of Eruku, the families of the victims, offering prayers for healing and divine comfort.

He also prayed for the safe and speedy return of those kidnapped and called for the immediate deployment of security operatives, improved intelligence coordination, and long-term interventions to reclaim the area from criminal control.