Yoruba Nation activist, Igboho, vows to flush out bandits from Kwara forests

Yoruba Nation campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, has declared that his newly launched Iru Ekun Security Network will move against bandits operating in forests across Kwara State, insisting that criminal groups will no longer be allowed to use the areas as safe havens.

Igboho made the declaration on Thursday in Ilorin during the inauguration of the Iru Ekun Security Network in the state.

According to him, the security outfit was established to support the efforts of government and conventional security agencies in addressing kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes affecting communities.

He disclosed that the network would begin operations in Babanla and later return to Eruku, communities he described as among the worst affected by insecurity in the state.

He said, “The presence of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara has already unsettled the criminals. We are heading to Babanla, which many people now describe as a stronghold of bandits.”

“We also passed through Eruku on our way from Kogi State, and we will return there. This is our ancestral land, and no criminal can force us to abandon it. Those hiding in our forests cannot intimidate us into surrendering our communities.”

Igboho stressed that the security outfit was not created to replace the police or any other security agency but to reinforce existing security operations aimed at restoring peace.

“Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies. While local communities can contribute to protecting themselves, that alone is not enough.”

“We must work hand in hand with the police, the military and other security agencies. If we unite, we can drastically reduce kidnapping, banditry and every other form of terrorism in our society,” he said.

He alleged that the activities of bandits had persisted because of the support they receive from collaborators within local communities and urged residents, particularly youths, to expose those aiding criminal groups.

“Bandits are not spirits. They have continued to operate because some people within our communities provide them with information and support. It is time for us to hold ourselves accountable. Our youths must rise to defend their communities because, with unity and cooperation, we can confront these criminals.”

“If you know you are involved in activities that encourage banditry or threaten the peace of our state, this is the time to stop or leave. Anyone found participating in such crimes will face the consequences,” he warned.

The activist also rejected claims that the Iru Ekun Security Network was formed to target Fulani people, maintaining that the group’s activities are focused solely on criminal elements regardless of ethnicity.

“Some people have been spreading the false narrative that Sunday Igboho has come to Kwara to fight the Fulani. That is completely untrue. We have no problem with innocent Fulani people or any other ethnic group. Our fight is against criminals, regardless of where they come from. We are all Nigerians.”

“If you suspect anyone of aiding bandits and the person is unarmed, hand the suspect over to the police. Do not take the law into your own hands. However, anyone carrying sophisticated weapons in our forests or attempting to invade our communities poses an immediate threat to innocent lives and must be stopped before carrying out any attack,” he added.

Reflecting on previous security operations, Igboho praised the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for his cooperation and professionalism.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, is a hardworking and dedicated officer. During one of our rescue operations, we combed the forests linking Oyo and Kwara states.”

“When we crossed into the Kwara axis, I informed him of our movement, and he immediately deployed police personnel to support us on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police,” he said.

Igboho also dismissed reports suggesting that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq opposed his visit to Kwara, saying he believes the governor shares the concerns of residents over the state’s security challenges.

“I should have arrived in Ilorin much earlier, but there were rumours that the governor did not approve of my visit. I found that difficult to believe because I know Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not make such a decision.”

“I also believe he is deeply concerned about the persistent killings and kidnappings in Kwara. If that were not the case, he would not have deployed security agencies to protect the people,” he said.

The activist further credited President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network and prayed for the President’s success in office.

“All the praise being showered on the Iru Ekun Security Network belongs to President Bola Tinubu. May God grant him good health and the grace to successfully complete his eight years in office,” he said.

He added that members of the outfit had been directed to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies during their operations.

The inauguration comes amid heightened insecurity in parts of Kwara South Senatorial District, where recurring attacks by armed groups have displaced residents and forced some traditional rulers to abandon their communities.

The event also followed days of controversy over Igboho’s planned visit after reports claimed the Kwara State Government had barred him from entering the state to inaugurate the security outfit.

Despite the speculation, the event went ahead in Ilorin, with Igboho reaffirming that the Iru Ekun Security Network would collaborate with existing security agencies in efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.