Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the establishment of an additional military formation in the Eda Oniyo axis of Ilejemeje Local Government Area as part of measures to strengthen security in the border community.
The governor also ordered the speedy completion of a divisional police station currently under construction in the area.
Move follows security concerns
Oyebanji gave the directives in Ado Ekiti while receiving a delegation from Eda Oniyo led by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola.
The governor said the government remained committed to protecting communities across the state and preventing criminal elements from exploiting vulnerable border areas.
He also directed his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), to commence arrangements for the military base.
Police station also targeted for completion
Oyebanji said the divisional police station under construction in the community was critical to strengthening the security architecture of Eda Oniyo.
He further noted that soldiers, police officers and other security personnel already conduct regular patrols in the border area to prevent criminals from crossing into Ekiti from neighbouring states.
Background to the security concerns
The governor’s directive follows a deadly attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo in April, during which armed kidnappers reportedly killed a pastor and abducted 16 worshippers.
According to Punch, one of the abducted victims, an 80-year-old woman, died in captivity, while the remaining victims were released after about 66 days following payment of a reported N25.5 million ransom.
Oyebanji subsequently ordered medical treatment and psychological support for the rescued victims.