‘We must remove criminals from Southwest’ – Igboho tells Iru Ekun volunteers

Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on volunteers of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states to intensify efforts to end kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across the Southwest.

Igboho made the call during the inauguration of the Lagos State chapter of the security network.

He said the recent decline in kidnapping for ransom, banditry and other serious crimes in the region must be sustained while ensuring that all operations remain within the law.

According to a statement from his media office, Iru Ekun is focused on confronting anyone, regardless of ethnic or religious background, who threatens peace and security in the Southwest.

Igboho described the group as an important local response to insecurity and emerging threats to communities. He also credited intelligence-sharing and support from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies with helping the network tackle criminal activities.

He described Iru Ekun as the best local initiative for strengthening security across the Southwest.

However, Igboho warned volunteers in Lagos not to go beyond the limits and standards set by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, and the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi.

He said, “We have had a successful launching of Iru Ekun in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos with overwhelming population of volunteers coming out to work for effective security of South West states.”

He added that the achievement followed the approval of the private security agency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and support from state governors.

Igboho also praised the heads of Nigeria’s security agencies for their motivation, technical support and cooperation, saying their efforts had contributed to the rescue of kidnapping and banditry victims, particularly in rural communities and forests.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that since the advent of Iru Ekun Security Network, cases of abduction, herders-farmers’ clash, banditry and other incidents of insecurity have subsided in the South West,” he said.

He urged volunteers to continue working to remove criminals from the region and create an environment that would support economic and social development.

Igboho said he believed the Iru Ekun Security Network would continue beyond President Tinubu’s administration, but warned volunteers not to involve themselves in civil disputes.

“Iru Ekun will outlive the regime of President Tinubu after the completion of its second term in office by 2031,” he said.

He cautioned volunteers against interfering in issues such as land disputes, debt recovery, marital problems and disputes involving people’s wives.

Igboho said the organisation had also helped restore residents of Owa Onire community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State who had fled their homes after attacks by armed bandits.

He said Iru Ekun personnel were now providing security in the community, allowing the displaced residents to return and resume their lives.

He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers across the Southwest, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, among others.