Attack: Ekiti approves military base for border community

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the establishment of an additional military formation in the Eda Oniyo axis, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state, as part of measures to strengthen security, safeguard lives and properties as well as prevent future security breaches in the border community.

The governor also ordered the speedy completion of the divisional police station currently under construction in the community, stressing that the facility was critical to further strengthen the security architecture of the community.

Oyebanji, who gave the directives in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Eda Oniyo community, led by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola, said his administration remained committed to protecting every part of the state, stressing that no community would be abandoned to criminal elements.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the creation of state police, which he described as a bold and timely initiative capable of addressing the country’s security challenges.

The governor, who acknowledged that Eda Oniyo had experienced slow development over the years as a result of a prolonged legal dispute over the local government headquarters, assured them that the state government would focus on transforming it into a community befitting its status as a local government headquarters.

Oyebanji said a combined team of soldiers and police and other security outfits regularly patrolled the border town to ward off criminals crossing from neighbouring states to Ekiti.

He said, “This government is here to protect and serve you, and the only way we can serve you better is by your cooperation.

“I have listened to your request; the construction of the police station is ongoing, and I will ensure the speedy completion.”

The governor told the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), “I want a military base at Eda Oniyo. It is extremely important; whatever it is going to cost us, bring it to me, I will approve it.”