Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Ilorin on Thursday, vowing to drive bandits and criminals out of Kwara State's forests. The outfit will work alongside government and conventional security agencies to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other security threats plaguing communities across the state.
Igboho dismissed claims that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq opposed his visit to the state. "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.
He commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for his professionalism and support during previous security operations in forests spanning Oyo and Kwara states. The activist said the security network would begin operations in Babanla and revisit Eruku, both communities plagued 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," Igboho stated.
He stressed that the network wasn't designed to replace police, military or other security agencies. Instead, it aims to strengthen ongoing peace-restoration efforts across the state.
"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.
Igboho alleged that criminal activities persist partly because some local collaborators support bandits. He urged residents and youths to provide intelligence to security agencies about suspected criminals.
The activist denied that the security network targets any particular ethnic group. "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 against taking the law into their own hands, saying they should report suspected criminals to security agencies. Anyone carrying weapons in forests and threatening communities should be treated as a security risk, he added.
Igboho attributed the establishment of the security network to President Bola Tinubu's administration. He prayed for the president's good health and a successful tenure.
The activist revealed that the outfit has been directed to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies during its operations throughout Kwara State.
