Kwara Security Watch Backs Sunday Igboho’s Iru Ekun Outfit, Warns Against Excesses, Clash With Security Agencies

Ilorin, Kwara State– The Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, has declared support for the operations of Iru Ekun, a local security outfit associated with Yoruba Nation agitator Chief Sunday Igboho, in the fight against banditry and kidnapping across parts of Kwara South.

However, Elder Oyin-Zubair warned that the group must operate strictly within the law, maintain discipline, and avoid any confrontation with constituted security agencies.

In a statement addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, titled “Engagement With Iru Ekun Security Outfit Under Chief Sunday Igboho In Kwara South,” Elder Oyin-Zubair said he received reports of the group’s activities in the state with “mixed feelings.”

According to him, the group’s first operation in Kwara South took place around Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government Area, where members carried out patrols aimed at tackling rising insecurity.

He said a video of the operation later circulated on social media, adding that some of the conduct displayed during the outing was unacceptable.

“I read with mixed feelings the purported outing of Iru Ekun, a local security outfit under Chief Sunday Igboho, seeking to support efforts to curb banditry activities in Kwara South, especially in Ifelodun, Isin, Oke-Ero and Ekiti Local Government Areas,” Elder Oyin-Zubair said.

“I am aware that the group’s first outing in Kwara South took place around Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government Area. A video clip of the operation went viral on social media. What I saw was detestable, unacceptable, and is therefore condemned.”

The security coordinator disclosed that following the controversial outing, he convened a meeting with the leadership of the group in Isanlu-Isin to address the issues raised. He said soldiers attended the meeting to give it official recognition and ensure proper coordination.

“As a proactive measure, I convened a meeting with the group yesterday at Isanlu-Isin, with soldiers in attendance to give it official colour in my capacity as Coordinator, Joint Security Watch Kwara South,” he stated.

Despite his reservations over aspects of the group’s conduct, Elder Oyin-Zubair said the Joint Security Watch recognised the worsening security situation in the region and welcomed any sincere efforts aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He, however, stressed that such support would only continue if the group’s activities remained within legal and operational limits.

“While we appreciate any genuine efforts to curb the menace and restore peace to our land, we will not condone excesses or acts of criminality that escalate insecurity in the zone.

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, Joint Security Watch Kwara South pledges its support to Iru Ekun’s efforts. We are ready to provide necessary information and assistance to the group to make their job easier, provided all activities remain within legal and operational protocols.”

Elder Oyin-Zubair added that the immediate priority of security stakeholders in the area remains the rescue of victims currently being held by kidnappers and the restoration of displaced communities across Kwara South.

According to him, urgent attention should be focused on securing the release of the remaining Omugo abductees, the 15 worshippers kidnapped from Ikerin Church, and other victims still in captivity.

‘Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair maintained that our immediate concerns are the rescue of those in captivity, including the rest of the Omugo abductees and the 15 worshippers of Ikerin Church, amongst others, as well as the safe return of communities that have either been deserted or displaced.”

He further revealed that during the meeting, the leadership of Iru Ekun was cautioned to conduct its operations professionally and in collaboration with existing security institutions.

“We therefore cautioned the group leader, Mr. Mayiwa Adeniyi, and his team to maintain decorum. We advised them to operate within the ambit of the law, liaise with constituted security agencies, and desist from any action that could undermine public order and safety.”

Responding, the leader of the Iru Ekun outfit, Mr. Mayiwa Adeniyi, assured stakeholders that members of the group would comply with the directives issued during the meeting.

According to Elder Oyin-Zubair, Adeniyi pledged that Iru Ekun would work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in efforts to restore lasting peace across Kwara South.

“In his response, Mr. Adeniyi pledged to abide by the rules and work with the Police, soldiers, and other security agencies to restore peace to all parts of Kwara South in particular.”

Also speaking during the engagement, Lt. Solihu, who led the soldiers present at the meeting, warned the group against any confrontation with security agencies while carrying out its operations.

The military officer described as dangerous and unacceptable the reported confrontation between members of Iru Ekun and Forest Guards during the group’s earlier outing.

“Lt. Solihu, who led the soldiers, also cautioned against confrontation with security agencies in the arduous task of restoring peace to the land. He noted that the group’s engagement with Forest Guards during their outing was uncalled for and risky. This, he said, will not be tolerated as it constitutes an unacceptable affront to constituted authority.”