Ekiti Bloody Robbery: Governor Oyebanji Visits Victims, Says Justice is Sure for Deceased
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has pledged to collaborate closely with security agencies to apprehend the individuals and syndicates responsible for the violent bank robbery that occurred in Ikere Ekiti on Wednesday.
The governor expressed deep concern for the lives lost during the operation, emphasizing the need for justice as he stated that the bloodshed demands accountability.
Characterizing the incident as both horrendous and heart-rending, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the commitment of his government and security entities to strategically devise measures aimed at curbing robberies and the senseless killings perpetrated by gun-wielding bandits.
All Nigeria Latest News reports that Governor Oyebanji said this, on Thursday, in Ikere Ekiti, during a visit to the victims and the scene of the incident for on the spot assessment of the level of damage caused during the attack.
Governor Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, was joined by key officials during the visit. This delegation included Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana, the Special Adviser on Internal Security, Mr. Dare Ogundare, the Commissioner of Police for Ekiti State Command, and Brig Gen. Olu Adewa (rtd), the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps.
The delegation also visited the palace of Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado to sympathise with him over the deaths recorded and displayed incurable readiness to ward off criminals from that axis of Ekiti.
Addressing the monarchs, Oyebanji said:”I use this medium to register our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the bank robbery incident. In fact , the incident was so saddening and heart-rending.
“Let me restate again that the government of Ekiti State won’t tolerate senseless killings of innocent Nigerians who are performing their lawful duties under any guise in Ekiti State. Security of lives and property is so dear and utmost to this government.
“We are also reiterating the commitment of Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to tackle cases of robbery, kidnapping and banditry in Ekiti. We want to say that we place high value on the lives of all Ekiti residents irrespective of enthinicity, religious sentiments and political affiliations.
“We appeal to the Ekiti State Police command to beef up security around financial institutions, shopping malls and market areas that could be taken as targets by evil doers during this festive period. We appreciate your past efforts, but we want you to raise the bar of security and do more”.
In his remarks, the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Dare Ogundare revealed that the law enforcement personnel under his command had successfully recovered three vehicles and motorcycles employed by the perpetrators for the heinous bank robbery
“As I am talking to you, my people are combing the surrounding bushes for possible apprehension of these criminals. We learnt some of them escaped into the bush. So, our people should be calm and await the outcome of our investigations”.
Expressing sorrow for the recorded casualties, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adu Alagbado, conveyed that upon the incident’s occurrence, he promptly notified security agencies, including the military. Regrettably, by the time they arrived, the unfortunate havoc had already been wrought.
“I was saddened by this event. About 17 boys were arrested a month ago by local vigilante with assorted riffles and local guns and we handed them over to the police for action. We have been doing our best to help the police.
“But there is a trend that these criminals always escaped through Ikere- Ise-Ijan road anytime they struck here. I want the police to use this to catch some of these guys. They are enemies within.
“I have my suspicion that there was an internal connivance. I don’t want Ikere Ekiti to be made the headquarters of yahoo boys and criminals. We have prayed over this incident and I know that the criminals will be caught”.
