The Ekiti State Police Command has vowed to rescue victims of the recent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, while dismissing claims that there is no security presence in the community as “untrue and a fallacy.”
The Command’s reaction followed a video circulating on social media via the Arabatv platform, which alleged that the absence of police and other security agencies in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti was responsible for the attack.
In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, said the Command remains focused on its mission and will not engage in “unnecessary arguments with propagandists.”
He stated categorically that claims by “so-called activists” that there is no security in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti are false and an attempt to discredit the efforts of government and security agencies in the state.
While acknowledging that there is no Police Division in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, SP Abutu clarified that the Iye-Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters covers both Iye-Ekiti and Eda Oniyo-Ekiti communities.
He added that operatives from Iye Division have always carried out constant visibility patrols in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti.
The PPRO further disclosed that there are about three military bases/checkpoints along that axis, covering up to Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, with constant military patrols.
According to him, the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, had earlier set up a Joint Task Force comprising the Military, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshal, vigilantes, and local hunters.
The JTF, he said, is engaged in special bush-combing operations, visibility patrols, and constant monitoring of rural areas and border towns, including Eda Oniyo-Ekiti.
He noted that the operations were proactive measures following ongoing onslaughts against criminal elements in Kwara, Kogi, Osun, and parts of Northern Nigeria, which could force criminals to migrate to the South-West.
SP Abutu said these security arrangements have been ongoing successfully without any complaint of inadequate coverage from the community until the recent incident occurred.
He confirmed that the Military, Police, and other security agencies moved to the scene immediately the attack was reported and combed the bush up to neighbouring Kwara State.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, alongside his team, also arrived at the scene around 2300hrs that night and remained on ground till the following day.
The Command expressed concern that some individuals, “in the name of gaining social media engagements for pecuniary purpose,” have shifted from examining the vulnerability that led to the incident to attacking government and security agencies.
It added that organisers of the church programme, despite the vulnerable venue and time, never informed the Police or any security agency to provide adequate security.
The Command advised those blaming security agencies to visit the scene and measure its proximity to the town.
While efforts to rescue the abducted victims continue, the Police urged the public to engage in “constructive, solution-driven and meaningful criticism” rather than “emotionally and politically driven” attacks.
Members of the public were also charged to be vigilant, security conscious, and avoid actions that could expose them to criminal elements.
The Command assured residents that it will continue to prioritise the security of lives and property in the state, and called for credible and timely information to help nip crimes in the state.
