Igboho vows to clear bandits from Kwara forests

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has declared his intention to clear forests in Kwara State of bandits through his newly launched Iru Ekun Security Network. The outfit was officially unveiled in Ilorin, with Igboho vowing that criminal elements would no longer be permitted to use the state's forests as safe havens.

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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.

Igboho announced that the Iru Ekun Security Network would commence security operations in Babanla and revisit Eruku, areas he identified as heavily affected by insecurity. He stated that the presence of his network had already unsettled criminals and asserted that these forests are ancestral lands which will not be abandoned to criminals. The activist stressed that the security outfit is not intended to replace existing government security agencies but to strengthen their efforts in restoring peace.

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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.

He further alleged that the continued activities of bandits are facilitated by local collaborators who provide information and support. Igboho called on residents, particularly young people, to actively participate in exposing these criminal elements. He warned those involved in activities that encourage banditry to cease or leave the state, as they would face consequences. Igboho also dismissed claims that his network targets specific ethnic groups, clarifying that its operations are solely directed at criminals, regardless of their ethnic background.

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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.