Traditional ruler commends Oyebanji over release of 14 abducted citizens

Oba Julius Awolola, the Eleda of Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the role played in securing the release of 14 abducted residents of the town from kidnappers’ den.

Oba Awolola gave the commendation on Sunday, in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, when the  government’s delegation visited the family of one of the victims, Rachael Olomi, 82, who died in captivity, to commiserate with them.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that some gun-wielding kidnappers, had on April 28, invaded an open church crusade being held in Eda Oniyo and kidnapped 15 worshippers, while the presiding Pastor was shot dead on the spot.

Another member of the church died in captivity, while 14 others were released on July 2 to reunite with their families after 66 days in captivity.

Speaking during the visit, Awolola commended the governor for zealously pursuing the release of the victims and for not abandoning the people since the incident happened.

“We thank Governor Oyebanji for what he did; in fact, we are really grateful to him. He did what a leader should do because issue of security can’t be announced openly.

“We are coming to personally thank him in Ado-Ekiti”, the traditional ruler said.

Oyebanji, who was represented by the deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, assured the citizens that his administration won’t succumb to the antics of kidnappers.

He said that the government had evolved a security architecture that would smash the terror syndicates trying to terrorise the citizens and spark tension and panic.

According to him, marching order has been given to the security agencies to redouble efforts and tame the activities of terror groups.

He said that among measures to tackle criminality would be through intensive forest combing and 24 hours patrol across borders to stem the tides of kidnapping and banditry across the state.

The governor said the abductees would have long been released, if the government resorted to force, but said the security agencies decided to carry out subtle operation to prevent more casualties.

Oyebanji said the long abduction of the 15 victims and the eventual loss of one of them gave him serious psychological torture, but expressed elation that other abductees were freed alive to rejoin with their families, describing this as a major consolation.

He commended the security agencies, men of the Amotekun corps , local hunters, traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders across denominations  for their concerns and compassion for the victims throughout the tense period.

“Please, don’t believe what some people were saying on social media that we don’t value you.

“We regard you as part of Ekiti. We did a lot underground on this matter. But this is something we could not do forcefully, so that we won’t record more casualties in captivity.

“I plead with you to be security conscious and be vigilant. Kindly report whatever suspicious movement you notice because you can’t rule out internal connivance in this matter.

“You have to warn your youths to be patriotic. And anytime the freed victims come into town, kindly accept them with open arms.

“They are part of you,” Oyebanji said.