Igboho vows to flush out bandits from Kwara forests

Launches Iru Ekun Security Network, says outfit will support security agencies

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

ILORIN — Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has vowed that his Iru Ekun Security Network will reclaim forests in Kwara State from bandits and other criminal elements.

Igboho made the declaration on Thursday in Ilorin during the launch of the security outfit at Igbomina House, stressing that criminals would no longer be allowed to use the state’s forests as hideouts for violent activities.

He said the initiative was established to complement the efforts of government and conventional security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other security challenges affecting communities across the state.

Igboho also dismissed reports that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was opposed to his visit to Kwara, saying he believed the governor shared residents’ concerns over rising cases of insecurity.

“I should have arrived in Ilorin much earlier, but there were rumours that the governor did not approve of my visit. I found that difficult to believe because I know Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not make such a decision,” he said.

The activist commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for his professionalism and support during previous security operations, particularly rescue efforts around forests linking Oyo and Kwara states.

According to him, operatives of the Iru Ekun Security Network would begin security operations in Babanla and revisit Eruku, two communities he identified as being affected by insecurity.

“The presence of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara has already unsettled the criminals. We are heading to Babanla, which many people now describe as a stronghold of bandits,” he said.

Igboho stressed that the outfit was not created to replace the police, military or other security agencies, but to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace.

“Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of government and security agencies. We must work hand in hand with the police, the military and other security agencies. If we unite, we can drastically reduce kidnapping, banditry and every other form of terrorism,” he said.

He alleged that criminal activities persist partly because of support from some local collaborators, urging residents, especially youths, to provide useful information to security agencies.

Igboho also dismissed claims that the security network was established to target any ethnic group, insisting that its focus was on criminals irrespective of their background.

“We have no problem with innocent Fulani people or any other ethnic group. Our fight is against criminals, regardless of where they come from. We are all Nigerians,” he said.

He advised residents not to take the law into their own hands but to report suspected criminals to security agencies, adding that individuals carrying weapons in forests and threatening communities should be treated as security risks.

Igboho attributed the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network to President Bola Tinubu, praying for the President’s continued good health and successful tenure.

He added that the outfit had been directed to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies in its operations across Kwara State.