Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
About 20 traditional rulers in Kwara State, who had fled their towns over incessant attack by bandits have reportedly engaged the services of a privately owned security outfit, Iru Ekun, led by Sunday Igboho, to flush out the bandits.
Residents and traditional rulers of several towns and villages in the state especially those in the Kwara South senatorial district have been deserted due to the bandits attacks.
Since then, traditional rulers and some residents of the affected towns have relocated their abode to Ilorin, the state capital and other adjoining communities in the state capital for protection.
However, it was gathered that, though Igboho has not personally visited Kwara South senatorial district but his foot soldiers were already on the ground, particularly in Isanlu Isin town and neighbouring communities, investigating security nature of the areas to enable them know how best to handle the security challenges.
Confirming the development to newsmen in Ilorin, the traditional ruler of Owa Onire, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, who relocated to ilorin said, “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, therefore said, “It’s a welcome development and I pray that the efforts would pay off so that we can fully return to our communities.”
Meanwhile, Coordinator, Joint Security Watch Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, who also confirmed the development, in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, said soldiers and his team have held security meeting with Sunday Igboho’s men.
He urged the team led by Mr Muyiwa Adeniyi to make the rescue of members of the communities in terrorists dungeon and safe returns of residents in deserted communities their priorities.