IG meets Ekiti governor, Senate leader over attacks

The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, met with the Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, at the Force Headquarters.

The meeting focused on the circumstances surrounding the violent attacks that occurred in Emure-Ekiti leading to the murder of two traditional rulers, and the abduction of pupils and teachers.

This was as President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, ordered the police boss to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Thursday, said following the President's order, the IG ordered the deployment of a police helicopter, Armoured Personnel Carriers, Police Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad operatives, and police Mobile Force personnel, to argument the manpower already deployed to the state for special operations.

The FPRO had earlier revealed that the Nigeria Police Force had arrested 13 suspects in connection with the violent attacks, following a preliminary investigation.

Revealing the latest development, Adejobi said, “Following the recent security situation in Ekiti State, and an earlier statement where the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordered strategic deployments to deal with the incidents, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, has ordered the IG to ensure that all the perpetrators are apprehended and caused to face the full wrath of the law.

“This was made known during the visit of the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to the Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters today, February 1, 2024, to address the incidents in a bid to finding a lasting solution to them.”

He noted that the IG expressed the  commitment of the Force to addressing the challenge, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and the kidnapped pupils rescued unhurt.

“In addition, the IG has ordered the deployment of police helicopter, Armored Personnel Carriers, IRT and STS operatives, and Police Mobile Force personnel, to argue the manpower already deployed to Ekiti for the special operations,” he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17, Akure, Ondo State, along with additional personnel and assets.

The Zone 17 zonal command of the Nigeria Police Force headquartered in Akure, Ondo State, has a total land mass of about 21,853 square kilometers, and comprises Ondo and Ekiti State police commands, with its headquarters domiciled.

The FPRO who revealed the developments in a statement on Thursday, noted that the aim of the deployments was to ensure swift restoration of peace and order in the affected areas.

Adejobi said, “The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, strongly condemns the recent killing of two traditional rulers – Oba Olusola Olatunji, the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti, and Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti in Ekiti State, and the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Emure-Ekiti.

“The IG has therefore taken immediate steps to address the security challenges in the region. To ensure the swift restoration of peace and order, the IG has ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17 Akure, along with additional personnel and assets.

“The newly posted AIG has been tasked with overseeing a comprehensive and coordinated security response to bring an end to the unfortunate security incidents in Ekiti, and parts of Ondo State and ensure proper coordination among security agencies for optimum effectiveness in tackling the security concerns within Ekiti State.

“The Inspector-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ekiti State, the families and loved ones of the deceased traditional rulers whose lives were tragically cut short during these incidents.

“Preliminary investigations have led to the arrest of 13 suspects who are currently assisting the Police with the investigation process.

“The Inspector General of Police hereby reiterates the commitment of the NPF to ensuring that justice is served, and those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to book while assuring the public that every necessary measure will be taken to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with the Police and other security agencies, as we work to restore peace and security to the affected areas.”