About 20 traditional rulers who fled their communities in Kwara State due to persistent bandit attacks have reportedly enlisted the services of the privately owned Iru Ekun security outfit, led by Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho, to help combat insecurity in the affected areas.
Several communities, particularly in Kwara South Senatorial District, have been deserted in recent months as residents and traditional rulers fled repeated attacks by armed groups. Many of those displaced have relocated to Ilorin and nearby communities in search of safety.
Although Sunday Igboho has not personally visited the area, members of the Iru Ekun security outfit are said to have arrived in communities such as Isanlu Isin to assess the security situation and develop strategies for tackling the activities of bandits.
The Owa Onire of Owa-Onire, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, confirmed the development, saying he was aware that the security team was already operating in parts of Kwara South, although they had not yet reached his community. He expressed hope that their intervention would restore peace and allow displaced residents and traditional rulers to return home.
Also confirming the development, the Coordinator of Joint Security Watch Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, disclosed that a security meeting was held between soldiers, members of his organisation, and representatives of the Iru Ekun outfit in Isanlu-Isin.
He described the collaboration as a positive step but stressed that all operations must remain within the law and should not create additional security challenges. He added that the group’s immediate priorities should include rescuing residents held captive by kidnappers, including the remaining Omugo abductees and the 15 worshippers kidnapped from a church in Ikerin, as well as facilitating the safe return of displaced communities.
Responding on behalf of the security outfit, its leader, Muyiwa Adeniyi, pledged to work closely with the police, military, and other security agencies to improve security and restore peace across Kwara South.
A military officer identified as Lt. Solihu, who attended the meeting with soldiers, also advised the group to maintain cooperation with security agencies and avoid any actions that could hinder ongoing efforts to address insecurity in the region.
