Sunday Igboho unveils ‘Iru Ekun’ security outfit in Kwara, vows to reclaim forests from bandits
Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has launched his security outfit, code-named “Iru Ekun Security Network” in Ilorin, Kwara state.
Igboho unveiled the outfit on Thursday, saying it was established to complement the efforts of the government and conventional security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across affected communities.
He said the outfit would work to reclaim forests in Kwara from bandits, adding that criminal elements would no longer be allowed to use the state’s forests as safe havens.
“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 said.
“We also passed through Eruku on our way from Kogi state, and we will return there. This is our ancestral land, and no criminal can force us to abandon it. Those hiding in our forests cannot intimidate us into surrendering our communities.”
“Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies. While local communities can contribute to protecting themselves, that alone is not enough.
“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 in our society.”
Igboho said banditry had persisted because some members of local communities were providing information and support to criminals.
He urged residents, especially youths, to help expose criminal elements and warned those involved in aiding bandits to stop or face the consequences.
He dismissed claims that the Iru Ekun Security Network was established to target Fulani people, saying it would go after criminals regardless of their ethnicity.
“If you suspect anyone of aiding bandits and the person is unarmed, hand the suspect over to the police. Do not take the law into your own hands,” he said.
“However, anyone carrying sophisticated weapons in our forests or attempting to invade our communities poses an immediate threat to innocent lives and must be stopped before carrying out any attack.”
Igboho commended Adekimi Ojo, the Kwara state commissioner of police, for his “professionalism and willingness” to collaborate with local security initiatives.
He also dismissed rumours that AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara state, had 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,” he said.
“I found that difficult to believe because I know Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not make such a decision.”
“I also believe he is deeply concerned about the persistent killings and kidnappings in Kwara. If that were not the case, he would not have deployed security agencies to protect the people.”
Igboho also credited President Bola Tinubu with the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network and prayed for the president’s continued good health and a successful completion of his tenure.
