By Atoyebi Nike
The Owa of Eruku, Oba Olanrewaju Busari, has issued a grave warning about the continued vulnerability of his community in Kwara State’s Ekiti Local Government Area. Speaking on ARISE News Night Monday, after the rescue of 38 abducted residents, the monarch highlighted the ease with which bandits operate through the dense forests connecting Eruku to neighboring states.
Oba Busari explained that warning signs appeared before the last attack, including gunfire along roads and harassment of farmers. Despite efforts by local vigilantes, the scale of the recent attack was unprecedented. The monarch emphasized that the community’s large forested areas facilitate the movement of attackers, who often blend in with herders, making it difficult for security personnel to identify them.
He expressed gratitude for the swift response from federal and state authorities, including the deployment of soldiers and police. However, he stressed the urgent need for a permanent security presence, such as a military or mobile police squadron, to effectively monitor and secure the area.
Oba Busari had personally discussed these security concerns with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who responded positively by promising to establish a permanent Forward Operating Base in Eruku. The monarch urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
Regarding the rescued captives, Oba Busari shared that they are in good spirits, though some may need time to fully recover. He appreciated the government’s efforts to provide medical care for the victims, emphasizing the importance of sustained security measures to prevent future attacks.
