…says farmers will return to farms soon
The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, Hon. (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi fcpa, has commended the impressive strides being made by Security Forces to rout kidnappers operating in Ekiti forests.
The Local Council Development Area Chairman stated that the arrest of some kidnap suspects, who killed two monarchs and abducted school children as well as other prominent Ekiti residents, was commendable and worth being saluted by the populace.
Ogungbemi gave the commendation in a statement he released in Ayedun Ekiti, on Sunday, in reaction to the arrest and parade of some kidnap suspects who murdered two traditional rulers and abducted primary school pupils in Ekiti recently.
Basking in euphoria of joy over the milestone achieved by the Joint Task Force, Ogungbemi expressed satisfaction with the operations being carried out by combined forces of the military, Police, Amotekun and local hunters in his council, recognised as an epicentre of kidnapping and killings in recent time.
The Local Council Development Area boss exuded confidence that farmers in Ajoni, who had become threatened and have abandoned their farms will soon return to production to boost food supply in the state.
He said the feat accomplished by the security operatives was made possible by the dedication and commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and readiness to collaborate with all security outfits, both conventional and local to rid the state of criminals.
Specifically, Ogungbemi commended the professionalism being adopted by the security forces to covertly gather intelligence leading to the arrest of these suspects.
The council boss urged the citizens to continually exhibit partnership and avail all agencies of relevant and veracious information that can smoothen their operations.
“Of recent in Ekiti State, Ajoni LCDA has been recognised as the hotspot for kidnapping and killing of citizens. Our local security outfits code-named operation EBBORAC, had upped its game to make the section of our state safe, but couldn’t outrightly stop these criminal elements.
“Today, we are happy with the level of arrests made. We are particularly happy that suspects arrested were in connection with the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers at Irele, one of the towns under Ajoni LCDA.
“We want to appreciate the military, Police, Amotekun and vigilante forces for being diligent to safeguard Ekiti and restore orderliness. We are hopeful that our farmers who have abandoned their farms for fear of insecurity will return to production soon.
“I am hopeful that with sustained collaboration among all the forces, kidnapping will become history in Ekiti because it is not part of our culture”.
Ogungbemi appealed to the JTF to sustain patrol in his council because of its proximity to Kwara and Kogi borders, describing this as the best way to ward off transborder criminals from Ekiti.