Despite sharing borders with states battling increasing cases of banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks, Ekiti State has largely maintained its reputation as one of the safest states in the country. Residents continue to go about their daily activities without major disruptions, even as authorities remain on high alert over security threats spilling in from neighbouring states.
However, the state has not been completely spared from criminal attacks. Recent incidents in some border communities have prompted intensified security measures by the government and security agencies.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred on April 28, when armed bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church crusade in Eda Oniyo, a community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area near the Kwara State border. During the attack, the gunmen killed the presiding pastor and abducted about 15 worshippers, taking them into a nearby forest.
More than three weeks after the incident, efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims are still ongoing. Families of those kidnapped continue to wait anxiously for their safe return.
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, described the rescue mission as a sensitive operation, assuring residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to bring the victims home.
Falade explained that the state’s inter-agency security task force was established to prevent bandits and kidnappers from gaining a foothold in border communities and to strengthen security across the state.
The security team comprises personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups.
Speaking during the launch of the second phase of an ongoing bush-combing operation, the police commissioner said the first phase had recorded significant success in pushing back criminal elements operating along the borders with Kwara and Kogi states.
“We carried out extensive operations in the affected areas and successfully dislodged bandits and kidnappers attempting to establish themselves in our communities,” Falade said.
He noted that Governor Biodun Oyebanji approved the continuation of the operation after reviewing its positive impact, stressing that the objective is to ensure residents can live and work without fear.
The operation includes intensive forest-clearing exercises, visibility policing, raids on criminal hideouts and increased surveillance in vulnerable areas.
According to Falade, the initiative is designed to prevent attacks on farming communities, schools, worship centres and critical infrastructure while also tackling crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, cattle rustling and vandalism.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, expressed confidence that the worshippers abducted in Eda Oniyo would be rescued safely.
Ogundana revealed that security agencies in Ekiti and neighbouring Kwara State were working together through intelligence gathering, dialogue and tactical operations to secure the victims’ release.
“We are proceeding carefully because every life matters. Our goal is to ensure that all abducted persons are reunited with their families safely,” he said.
He described the Eda Oniyo attack as an isolated incident and insisted that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the South-West despite growing insecurity in neighbouring states.
Recent attacks in Kwara and Oyo states have heightened concerns about security in the region. In Kwara, terrorists attacked a church in Eruku, killing worshippers and abducting dozens of others. In Oyo State, armed men abducted pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
Despite these developments, Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, maintained that the state remains secure due to proactive measures implemented by the government.
According to him, Governor Oyebanji declared a security emergency long before the recent incidents in neighbouring states and has continued to strengthen surveillance and support security agencies.
“Ekiti remains one of the safest states in Nigeria because of the resources and commitment dedicated to security,” Olatunbosun said.
He added that the government regularly engages security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen local surveillance networks.
The commissioner also highlighted the state’s Safe School Project, which includes fencing schools and deploying technology to monitor activities within educational institutions and their surroundings.
As part of efforts to reassure residents, the police commissioner has begun a security assessment tour of schools across the state, particularly boarding schools and institutions located in remote areas.
Ogundana disclosed that security authorities have identified vulnerable schools and are developing strategies to improve their protection.
He also announced new security guidelines for religious organisations, advising churches against holding overnight programmes without adequate security arrangements.
The state has further intensified forest-clearing operations under its “Operation Comb the Forests” initiative, which targets criminal hideouts and prevents bandits from infiltrating communities through forest routes.
The operation involves the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local hunters and vigilante groups, all working together to secure border communities.
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According to Ogundana, the initiative has significantly reduced criminal activities along the Ilejemeje-Iyemero-Iye-Moba corridor and strengthened security across the state.
He praised Governor Oyebanji for prioritising security and keeping it above political interests.
“We are committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that Ekiti remains too difficult for criminals to operate in,” he said.
With the June 20 governorship election approaching, security agencies are expected to intensify operations further to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the polls.
Governor Oyebanji has reassured residents that his administration will spare no effort in protecting lives and property. He urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies.
“Ekiti will be too hot for criminals. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of our people and preserving the peace that the state is known for,” the governor said.
