Attack: Ekiti approves military base for border community
August 5, 2026 4:45 am
File: Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji
By Abiodun Nejo
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the establishment of an additional military formation in the Eda Oniyo axis, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state, as part of measures to strengthen security, safeguard lives and properties as well as prevent future security breaches in the border community.
The governor also ordered the speedy completion of the divisional police station currently under construction in the community, stressing that the facility was critical to further strengthen the security architecture of the community.
Oyebanji, who gave the directives in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Eda Oniyo community, led by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola, said his administration remained committed to protecting every part of the state, stressing that no community would be abandoned to criminal elements.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the creation of state police, which he described as a bold and timely initiative capable of addressing the country’s security challenges.
The governor, who acknowledged that Eda Oniyo had experienced slow development over the years as a result of a prolonged legal dispute over the local government headquarters, assured them that the state government would focus on transforming it into a community befitting its status as a local government headquarters.
Oyebanji said a combined team of soldiers and police and other security outfits regularly patrolled the border town to ward off criminals crossing from neighbouring states to Ekiti.
He said, “This government is here to protect and serve you, and the only way we can serve you better is by your cooperation.
“I have listened to your request; the construction of the police station is ongoing, and I will ensure the speedy completion.”
The governor told the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), “I want a military base at Eda Oniyo. It is extremely important; whatever it is going to cost us, bring it to me, I will approve it.”
The President of Eda Oniyo Progressives Union, Dr Rufus Ojo, who spoke on behalf of the traditional ruler, Oba Awolola, said the purpose of their visit was to express the community’s profound appreciation to the governor for his interventions throughout the recent security ordeal.
Ojo commended the governor for his wisdom in handling the security challenges and providing adequate medical care for the rescued victims.
He appealed to the state government to utilise the vast expanse of land in the area for agricultural projects, stressing that such an initiative would improve security as well as enhance the social and economic wellbeing of residents.
Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser, Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; members of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union and relatives of the kidnapped victims who recently regained freedom.
Recall that armed kidnappers on April 28 attacked a Christ Apostolic Church at Eda Oniyo, shot the pastor dead and whisked away 16 worshippers, including women and children.
One of the abducted persons, an 80-year-old woman, died in the kidnappers’ den before others regained freedom about 66 days later, following payment of ransom totalling N25.5m to the kidnappers in a forest outside the borders of Ekiti State.
The governor had, following the release of the kidnapped persons, ordered comprehensive treatment and medical examination for them at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.
Oyebanji, during a visit to the rescued victims in the hospital, said, “I have instructed that the state will bear the cost of their treatment and everything that happens between now and when they leave here. I will also talk to psychologists to talk to them with a view to integrating them with their family members.”
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