Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho has called on the Nigerian Government and South-West governors to approve the proposed Iru Ekun Security Network to combat rising insecurity and kidnappings across Yorubaland.
Igboho made the appeal while reacting to the recent abduction of pupils, students and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo State.
According to him, all preparations for the security outfit have been completed, but operations cannot begin without official approval from the Federal Government and security agencies.
He stated that the Iru Ekun Security Network was created to confront kidnappers, bandits and criminal elements allegedly operating in forests across the South-West region.
“I’m only awaiting the approval of the government to tackle growing insecurity ravaging the South-West headlong,” he said.
Igboho added that he did not want to launch operations without the consent of authorities, including the police, DSS and the Nigerian Army.
Reacting to the attacks in Ahoro-Esinle community, he described the incidents as disturbing and heartbreaking, especially for affected families and abducted schoolchildren.
He also said his group was “battle-ready” to enter forests in the South-West and parts of Kwara State to flush out criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks.
The activist further appealed to traditional rulers in the region to pressure authorities into granting immediate approval for the security outfit.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that 32 pupils, students and teachers were abducted during the attacks on schools in the Oriire area of the state.
Police spokesperson CSP Oluyinka Ayanlade disclosed that the victims include seven secondary school students, 18 primary school pupils and seven teachers abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Also reacting to the situation, Governor Seyi Makinde said surveillance aircraft purchased by the state government had arrived in Nigeria and were being assembled at a Nigerian Air Force facility in Lagos to support intelligence gathering and aerial security operations.
