About 20 traditional rulers in Kwara State who fled their communities following persistent bandit attacks have reportedly engaged the services of a private security outfit, Iru Ekun, led by Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, to help flush out criminal elements from affected areas.
The move comes amid worsening insecurity across several communities in Kwara South Senatorial District, where repeated attacks have forced residents and traditional rulers to abandon their homes.
Many of the displaced monarchs and residents have relocated to Ilorin, the state capital, and neighbouring communities for safety.
It was gathered that although Sunday Igboho has not personally visited Kwara South, members of the Iru Ekun outfit have already arrived in the area, particularly Isanlu-Isin and neighbouring communities, to assess the security situation and determine operational strategies.
Confirming the development, the Owa Onire of Owa-Onire, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, who has relocated to Ilorin, said he was aware of the deployment.
“Yes, I’m aware that Sunday Igboho’s men are in Kwara South senatorial district, but they’re yet to reach my community in Owa-Onire. I visited my community six days ago and so I’m in constant touch,” he said.
Describing the intervention as positive, the monarch added: “It’s a welcome development and I pray that the efforts would pay off so that we can fully return to our communities.”
Also confirming the development, the Coordinator of Joint Security Watch Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said soldiers and members of his organisation had met with the Iru Ekun team.
He, however, urged the outfit, led by Mr. Muyiwa Adeniyi, to prioritise the rescue of abducted residents and facilitate the safe return of displaced communities.
“Engagement with Iru Ekun security outfit under Chief Sunday Igboho in Kwara South with Joint Security Watch Kwara South is a welcome development,” he said.
“I convened a meeting with the group at Isanlu-Isin, with soldiers in attendance to give it official colour in my capacity as Coordinator, Joint Security Watch Kwara South.
“And we appreciate any genuine efforts to curb the menace and restore peace to our land, we will not condone excesses or acts of criminality that escalate insecurity in the zone.
“We are ready to provide necessary information and assistance to the group to make their job easier, provided all activities remain within legal and operational protocols.”
Oyin-Zubair said the immediate priority should be rescuing those still in captivity, including the remaining Omugo abductees and the 15 worshippers kidnapped from Ikerin Church, while restoring normalcy to deserted communities.
Responding, the Head of Iru Ekun, Mr. Muyiwa Adeniyi, pledged that the outfit would operate within the law and collaborate with the police, military and other security agencies to restore peace across Kwara South.
A military officer, Lt. Solihu, who attended the meeting, also cautioned the security outfit against any confrontation with security agencies during operations.
Hammed Shittu
