Security
Quest For Justice: Governor Oyebanji Orders Security Agencies To Arrest Murders Of Ekiti Traditional Rulers
In a tragic turn of events, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has vehemently condemned the appalling murder of two revered traditional leaders within the state.
The Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ogunsola fell victim to a fatal ambush by armed assailants while returning from a gathering.
The brutal attack resulted in the untimely demise of the esteemed monarchs, leaving the community in mourning.
Fortunately, the Alara of Ara-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, narrowly escaped the ruthless assault unscathed.
Governor Oyebanji wasted no time in issuing a stern directive to security agencies, tasking them with the urgent apprehension of the perpetrators.
Emphasising a zero-tolerance stance towards such heinous acts, the governor convened an emergency state security council meeting in Ado-Ekiti, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to restoring peace and order.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved communities of Imojo Ekiti and Esun Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji urged calm amidst the grief-stricken populace.
Assuring swift and impartial justice, he pledged the full support of the State Government in ensuring the culprits face the full force of the law.
Governor Oyebanji reiterated the state’s dedication to bolstering security measures, deploying advanced technology for enhanced crime detection and prevention.
He urged security agencies to remain vigilant and resolute in their mandate to safeguard lives and property across the state.
The explosion followed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Boko Haram terrorists on the dilapidated and deserted road which passes through the Sambisa forest.
According to several sources, the explosion happened while cars on a scheduled military-escorted convoy were transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri on Saturday leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries.
The Maiduguri-Damboa Road links Maiduguri to several local government areas in Southern Borno and has been a hotspot for Boko Haram terrorists for over a decade.
The road was closed to vehicles and commuters until the administration of Babagana Zulum opened the road for passengers to travel to Damboa, Chibok and other LGAs in southern Borno with the help of a military convoy serving as security cover for the commuters.
The convoy traverses the road two times a week after scanning for IED by the military and this has been going on for over two years now.
The injured persons whose numbers are yet to be specified have been conveyed to a hospital in Maiduguri for prompt medical attention.
A student of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has been abducted by unidentified gunmen following an off-campus hostel attack.
Channels reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Istijaba Villa in Unguwar Jeji area of the state.
Witness accounts said five armed men entered the hostel to demand money from students who were taking a walk outside.
But the students refused to give in to their demands, which led to an assault from the attackers.
A resident, who was said to have attempted intervention, was shot dead while a final-year student of economics, simply identified as Madubiya, was whisked away by the assailants.
Responding to the incident, Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, the vice-chancellor of FUBK, visited the scene in the company of the officers from the Kalgo police division and Department of State Services (DSS).
Addressing the students, Zaiyan-Umar said the university is committed to ensuring their safety and security.
It is understood that the VC has communicated the incident to Nasir Idris, the governor of Kebbi state, through the secretary to the state government and the director of security services at the cabinet office.
As of this reporting, the Kebbi state police command has yet to respond to enquiries about the incident.
In 2021, rumours soared of a planned attack by bandits after a heavy security presence was observed on campus.
At the time, the management of FUBK dismissed the claims.
The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding a lasting solution to the incessant attacks and killings in Plateau State.
Speaking at Operation Safe Haven headquarters in Jos during an operational visit in the aftermath of attacks in some communities of the Bokkos Local Government Area LGA) of the state, Ribadu promised to end the killings.
Over fifty persons were killed within a week in attacks over five communities that left over three hundred houses burnt by suspected herdsmen.
The Plateau State Government, through the Secretary to the Government Samuel Jatau, also visited some of the affected communities to ascertain the extent of damages and also donate relief materials to affected victims.
Adu expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding solutions to the incessant attacks and killings.
Also, speaking about the killings, the District Head of Manguna wants the government to provide more security personnel in the affected communities to curb rural-urban migration.