Ekiti School Pupils Abduction: Ondo State Amotekun Dispatches 100 Personnel and Presents 31 Suspects.

To secure the release of six kidnapped schoolchildren, three teachers, and their driver, the Ondo State security outfit, known as Amotekun, deployed 100 personnel to Ekiti State. The Ondo Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, announced this while presenting 31 suspected criminals apprehended in the state. He revealed that the deployment was made under the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This move coincided with a call from the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers urging Governor Biodun Oyebanji to empower them to enhance security in their regions. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, supported this call, emphasizing the importance of community policing in combating insecurity.

Meanwhile, Emure-Ekiti, the locality where the abduction occurred, initiated a search operation for the victims. Additionally, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, expressed concern over the infiltration of gunmen into the South-West, emphasizing the need for urgent action.

Amotekun Commander Adeleye explained the rationale behind the deployment, stressing the importance of proactive measures in maintaining security. He also advocated for the establishment of state police as a long-term solution to security challenges, citing the effectiveness of grassroots policing.

The Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to provide resources to enable monarchs to secure their domains effectively. They condemned the recent killings and kidnappings in the state, calling for swift justice for the perpetrators.

Furthermore, Emure-Ekiti community leaders initiated a search party to comb the forests for the abducted victims. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ekiti State urged the government to prioritize the fencing of schools to enhance security on school premises.

The Ooni of Ife emphasized the severity of the security situation and called for concerted efforts from both federal and state governments to address it. He stressed the importance of involving traditional rulers in security efforts and advocated for community policing as a viable solution.

Additionally, Iba Gani Adams raised alarm over the infiltration of gunmen into the South-West, urging swift action to prevent further escalation of insecurity. He called for collaboration between South-West governors and groups like the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to tackle the security challenges effectively.