-Condemns killing of monarchs and the abduction of school pupils
By Editor
Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and some stakeholders in the State spent time on Wednesday 31st January, 2024 discussing the worrisome security challenges in Ekiti at the Special Plenary Session of the House.
The extra ordinary sitting of the Assembly was sombre depicting the mood of the state as the lawmakers wore black attires during the session.
At the early stage of the plenary, the Speaker directed the House to have a minute silent for the two monarchs that were brutally murdered by suspected kidnappers on Monday 29th January, 2024; Late Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin of Esun Ekiti and Late Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola of Imojo-Ekiti.
The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, where the two monarchs were ambushed and killed appeared before the House to make his presentation.
The embattled council boss in his address to the lawmakers said;
“Rt. Hon. Speaker and distinguished members of the House, in realization of the fact that Ajoni LCDA was porous and open to banditry and kidnapping activities, about two years ago when I became the Chairman, a security summit at Ajoni LCDA was promptly organized that birthed Ajoni Local security Network codenamed -Eradicate Bandits At the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities (EBBORAC) thereby launching a counter offensive against the killings and Kidnappings in the area.”
“Mr Speaker, the support for the local security outfits would reinforce their efforts in forest combing and quick response to any security threat at the borders and forest in Ajoni territories.”
“We need to do regular forest combing in the area and do regular assessment of camps and settlements in the forest for us to eradicate these security challenges”
He said.
Leading the debate on the security challenges in Ekiti State, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Tolu Ige, emphasized the need to maintain the peace and tranquility that Ekiti is known for.
“Mr Speaker, the importance of strengthening the operational capability of Amotekun including enhancing the conditions of service of its personnel at a time like this cannot be overemphasized.”
“There is need for continuous dialogue between security agencies and communities across the State including more enabling more visibility of security operatives to restore citizens confidence in the state security framework”
Hon. Alhaja Maryam Abimbola Ogunlade (Emure) officially reported the abduction of some school pupils and teachers of one Nursery and Primary School in Emure Local Government.
“The Rt. Hon. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I am emotionally traumatized about the news of abduction of some School Pupils and Staff of Apostolic Faith Mission by armed men at Eporo Ekiti in Emure Local Government on Monday 29th January, 2024.”
“I wish to implore this House to call on the relevant security agencies to ensure the abducted pupils and the staff be rescued and the perpetrators be brought to book.”
Hon.Tope Longe (Oye I), Hon. Femi Fatunla (Ikole I) and other Lawmakers in their contributions call for Police outposts along the border communities of Ekiti State and military patrols. They further call for the devolution of power to the state to enable multilevel policing.
The Speaker, in his words, assured the people that efforts are ongoing to collaborate with other southwest states in the fight against these criminal elements.
“On Monday 29th January, 2024 I commenced the tour of Southwest States in my capacity as Chairman Southwest Conference of Speakers with the aim of having interactions with assembly speakers across the southwest and governors who might be available for interface particularly on how the southwest states could work together to ensure the security of lives and properties of the people.”
“I received the news of the tragedy at home when I was in in Oyo state , forcing me and my team to halt the journey and suspend the trip to Ogun and Lagos States which were the remaining states to cover, heading back home to address the current emergency.”
The Speaker urged the security agencies in the state to not only carry out a comprehensive investigation into the reoccurring attacks in that axis of the state, but should apprehend and bring the perpetrators of the twin attack of Monday 29th January, 2024 to book and make the state safe for residents.
Aribasoye who sympathized with the affected towns whose monarchs were attacked and killed, including the families of the abducted pupils, bemoaned the state of insecurity in the country, expressed concern that, “the killing, maiming, kidnapping and wanton destruction of lives and property by unauthorized men in possession of sophisticated arms have become the common experience of innocent citizens in recent time”.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Babatunde Oke, the following resolutions were passed by the House at the plenary:
1/ Restates its condemnation of the killings of the monarchs, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun Ekiti and Oba Ogunsola, the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti along Ayedun – Oke Ako Road on Monday 29 day of January, 2024
2/ Further condemns the abduction of school pupils and teachers of Apostolic Faith Mission Nursery/Primary School on same Monday 29th January, 2024 along Emure – Eporo road.
3/ Applauds the prompt intervention of the State Governor Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji including the visit to the communities and the State wide broadcast on Tuesday 30th of January, 2024
4/ Commends His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria for his support and show of solidarity with the government and people of Ekiti State
5/ Welcomes the stated commitment of HE Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor, Ekiti State to engage with the Governors of the neighboring States with a view to achieving cross boarder cooperation in the fight against serious and organized crimes.
6/ Call on all stakeholders to adopt a comprehensive, all-society approach to addressing security issues.
7/ Calls on security agencies in the state to take immediate steps to ensure the prompt rescue of the school pupils and the teachers of Apostolic Faith Mission Nur/Pry School, Emure.
8/ Emphasizes the need for security agencies in the state to revisit their security strategies for securing lives and properties in Ekiti State
9/ Further emphasizes the need for continuous dialogue between security agencies and communities across the State including enabling more visibility of security operatives to restore citizens confidence in the state security framework
10/ Recommend that the Nigerian Air Force commences operations in Ekiti State, leading with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles operations to enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering that supports the activities of other security agencies.
11/ Note the importance of strengthening the operational capability of Amotekun including enhancing the conditions of service of its personnel.
12/ Further stress the importance of enhancing the remuneration and equipping of Amotekun recruits with necessary resources.
13/ Note the need to pay special attention to the potential security threats of large forests across the State.
14/ Further stress the need for regular combing of our forests to flush out the criminals hibernating within our borders
15/ Calls on the state government to consider establishing a dedicated agency to oversee forests in the state and the recruitment of new forest rangers.
16/ Note the need for the review of the Security Trust Fund Law of Ekiti to meet the reality of the moment
- Call for Police outposts along the border communities of Ekiti State and military patrols
18/ further call for the devolution of power to the state to enable multilevel policing
19/ Reaffirms its commitment to remain actively seized of the matter of security in Ekiti State including an unwavering solidarity with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and people of Ekiti State in the eradication of all forms of criminal activities in the state.
20/ Remain steadfast in its commitment to further step up political and practical support to the State Government as it continues to put measures in place to enhance security of all communities in Ekiti State
21/ Resolve to undertake solidarity visits to the affected communities and the school
The House adjourns plenary sine die
