The Ekiti State Government has welcomed a contingent of military personnel deployed to address the rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities in the state. Addressing the troops at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Brig-Gen. John Lar, Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, stated that the soldiers’ mission is to eliminate criminals causing unrest in the state. He emphasized that the military operation will extend throughout Ekiti State and its neighbouring areas, ensuring that there is no refuge for criminals.
“There will be no nights and no days, as they are expected to clear the bushes within 24 hours, we just came now and we are starting now”.
The Special Adviser on Security, Ekiti State, Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd), said the soldiers have been directed by the Chief of Army Staff to provide enough security to beef up the troops in the state and make sure all the criminals are flushed out from their hide-outs in the forest.
Brig-Gen. Ogundana said ”Ekiti has been a peaceful state but suddenly from nowhere, sad experiences, things we have not experienced before started happening, with the soldiers around, I can assure our people that everybody can sleep and close their eyes.
”We also want to inform the people of the state that we need information, timely information to help the troops carry out their assignment, and tell us where these people are to make sure the job is easier for the troops.
“The operation is just the advance party, we are expecting from the Commander-In-Chief, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who directed the Chief of Army Staff”.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on security matters, welcomed the troops to Ekiti, on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
