Oyebanji vows rescue of abducted worshippers after border attack
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji vowed to rescue worshippers abducted from a church in a border community.
- He urged residents in border areas to be vigilant and cooperate with authorities to prevent criminal infiltration.
- The governor also called on communities to purge themselves of internal collaborators aiding criminal activities.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has pledged a determined effort to secure the release of worshippers abducted from a church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, a community bordering Kwara State. The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, expressed deep sadness over the incident, which also resulted in the death of a pastor. He assured residents that all necessary strategies would be deployed by security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.
This government will never abandon you. We will work hard to rescue those abducted alive. We really feel your pain and what you are going through.
During a sympathy visit to the affected community, Governor Oyebanji urged residents, particularly those in border areas, to heighten their vigilance and collaborate with the government. He stressed the importance of working together to thwart the movement of criminals who exploit porous borders and forests to gain access to the state. The governor made it clear that his administration would not tolerate acts of terror, killings, or abductions, reinforcing his commitment to the safety and security of all citizens.
On this issue of police station and military post, we will work hard on it and deliver soon.
Furthermore, Governor Oyebanji appealed to the community to look inward and address any internal collusion with criminal elements, which he identified as a factor fueling invasions. He cautioned against providing information to criminals and urged for a collective effort to safeguard the state's image and the well-being of its people. The governor also highlighted the need for security measures, including potentially establishing more police and military posts, while emphasizing that community cooperation is paramount in combating trans-border banditry and criminality.
Internal collusion with criminals is fuelling invasion of the community. This government is not happy about this.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.