Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to coalesce efforts with the security agencies to apprehend perpetrators and syndicates of Wednesday’s bloody Ikere Ekiti bank robbery, saying the blood of those gunned down during the operation are crying for justice.
Oyebanji , who described the incident as horrendous and heart-rending, insisted that his government and security outfits shall competently contrive ways to checkmate robbery and senseless killings of citizens by gun- wielding bandits.
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.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Internal Security, Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana, Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Dare Ogundare and State Commander, Amotekun Corps, Brig Gen. Olu Adewa (rtd).
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 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 submission, the Police Commissioner, Mr. Dare Ogundare, disclosed that his men and officers, had recovered three vehicles and motorbikes used by the evil doers for the bloody operation.
“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 grief over the casualties recorded, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adu Alagbado, said immediately the matter occured, he had alerted the security agencies, including the military, but revealed the havoc had been wreaked before their arrival .
“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”.