Insecurity: Yoruba groups ask IGP to establish police stations in Ekiti communities

The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has asked Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, to establish police stations in Ekamefa town of Ekiti state.

AYDM is the alliance of over 130 pan Yoruba and community-based groups including Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC-New Era), Agbekoya, Iteskiri Nationalist Congress (INC), O’Odua Peoples Congress, and several others.

On January 30, two traditional rulers returning from a meeting in Ekiti, were killed by suspected kidnappers.

The traditional rulers were David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti; and Olatunde Olusola, the Onimojo of Omojola-Ekiti.

Days later, gunmen kidnapped six pupils of Apostolic Faith School, three teachers, and a driver as the school bus headed for Eporo-Ekiti from Emure.

Speaking about these incidents, Popoola Ajayi, the general secretary of AYDM, said there are no police stations in Ekamefa, an ancient town consisting of six communities, where the traditional rulers were killed.

He said the communities are left at the mercy of terrorists and bandits.

He added that authorities can establish police posts in the communities before the establishment of police stations.

“We appeal to the inspector-general of police and the governor of Ekiti state to see the establishment of six police stations, one in each community as an immediate step to be taken, to stop the continuous killing of royals, professionals and ordinary people,” the statement reads.

“Ekamefa, unknown to many people, has one of the most fertile lands in Yoruba land and the hub of rare species of plants and animals.

“We are prepared to take the case of Ekamefa to the United Nations if the IG fails to do the right thing.

“Creating police posts is the easiest thing the IGP can do.

“There is a military checkpoint in the area that has been compromised.”