Igboho Vows Sustained War Against S’West Criminals

Yoruba Nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has vowed to sustain the fight against criminal elements across the South-West.

Igboho made the declaration during the launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Akure, Ondo State, where he said the initiative would continue working to make forests, highways and farming communities safer.

He attributed what he described as a reduction in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in Yorubaland to the support provided to the network by the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

According to him, security should be treated as a collective responsibility that transcends political, ethnic and religious differences.

Igboho said the objective of the network was to restore residents’ confidence in the government’s ability to provide a peaceful environment for economic development.

He said the activities of rogue herders, bandits and kidnappers had reduced since Iru Ekun began operations, adding that the network would not relent in its efforts to prevent criminal groups from turning the region into a safe haven.

He also urged volunteers to work with security agencies and avoid confronting suspected criminals without first informing the police or other relevant authorities.

Igboho specifically directed volunteers who notice suspicious activities along highways linking Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states, or within their communities, to immediately alert authorities.

He warned that confronting armed criminals could expose volunteers to danger, noting that the network had recently lost a member in Iwere-Ile, Ondo State, during an encounter with armed bandits.

The activist said the network remained determined to continue its campaign against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements until South-West became secure.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and traditional rulers in the state have expressed support for the Iru Ekun Security Network.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, received Igboho and pledged support for the network’s activities.

Igboho said sustained cooperation among communities, traditional institutions, government and security agencies would be essential to preserving the security gains being recorded across the South-West.