Ekiti State Government has issued a strong directive to local government chairmen, urging them to take immediate and decisive action to bolster security in their respective areas. The call for heightened security measures comes after several kidnapping incidents, including a deadly attack earlier this month.
Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters and Chairman of the State Security and Intelligence Committee, made the appeal during the committee’s third quarterly meeting on Wednesday. Ogundana described the kidnapping wave as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” urging local leaders to take responsibility for safeguarding their communities.
“You have rightly noted that we have been enjoying relative peace in the state, but earlier this week, we received some troubling news,” said Ogundana, referring to the September 1st attack along the Emure-Eporo Road, where a man was killed and three women were abducted. “That is why Governor Biodun Oyebanji directed that this meeting be held,” he added.
The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to review its existing security framework and collaborate closely with law enforcement and community stakeholders to address the ongoing security challenges. “We will also convene a meeting with security agencies and other stakeholders to review our security strategies so that we can tackle these challenges more effectively,” Ogundana stated.
This latest directive highlights the state’s commitment to reinforcing security measures amid growing concerns about the resurgence of kidnappings and other violent crimes in the region. By placing the onus on local government Chairmen, the state aims to foster more localized and targeted security responses, ensuring that residents feel safer in their communities.