Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the establishment of additional military formations in the Eda Oniyo axis, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state.
The governor also ordered the speedy completion of the divisional police station currently under construction in Eda Oniyo as part of measures to strengthen security, safeguard lives and property, as well as prevent future security breaches in the border community.
It would be recalled that gunmen stormed the community in April and abducted no fewer than 15 worshippers at a CAC church. They were released after 60 days in captivity.
Oyebanji gave the directives on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Eda Oniyo community, led by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola, on a thank-you visit to his office.
He said his administration remains committed to protecting every part of the state and that no community would be abandoned to criminal elements.
While acknowledging that Eda Oniyo had experienced slow development over the years as a result of a prolonged legal dispute over the headquarters of the local government, the governor assured the delegation that the state government would focus on transforming Eda Oniyo into a community befitting its status as a local government headquarters.
The governor also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the creation of state police, describing it as a bold and timely initiative capable of addressing the country’s security challenges.
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He also disclosed that a combined team of soldiers, police officers, and other security operatives regularly patrol the border town to ward off criminals crossing from neighbouring states into Ekiti.
According to him, “This government is here to protect and serve you and the only way we can serve you better is by your cooperation. I have listened to your request, the construction of the police station is ongoing and I will ensure the speedy completion.
“Then to Gen. Ogundana (S.A on Security), this is important, I want a military base at Eda Oniyo, it is extremely important, whatever is going to cost us, bring it to me I will approve it.”
Speaking earlier, Oba Awolola and the President of the Eda Oniyo Progressives Union, Dr Rufus Ojo, said the purpose of their visit was to express the community’s profound appreciation to the governor for his interventions throughout the recent security ordeal.
While commending the governor for his wisdom in handling the security challenges and providing adequate medical care for the rescued victims, the IPU President appealed to the state government to utilise the vast expanse of land in the area for agricultural projects, stressing that such an initiative would improve security as well as enhance the social and economic well-being of residents.
One point to verify from the original source: the sentence beginning “Speaking earlier, Oba Awolola and the President of the Eda Oniyo Progressives Union, Dr Rufus Ojo, said…” implies two people spoke jointly. If only Dr Rufus Ojo spoke, the sentence should instead read “Speaking earlier, the President of the Eda Oniyo Progressives Union, Dr Rufus Ojo, said…” However, I have left the names unchanged as requested.
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