By Ayodele Oni
Following a frightening increase in cases of Kidnappings and other social vices in Ekiti state, Traditional Rulers have agreed to complement efforts of the State Government by constituting Community-based security mechanisms.
To this end, the Obas resolved to complement the Governor’s efforts by setting up Community Based Security Mechanism in the various Communities throughout the State, which would involve Local hunters, Traditional war Chiefs and Vigilantes.
Chairmen of Local Councils would, also, be involved in the Community-based policPing in the state.
Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Oba Ajibade Alabi, disclosed these measures while briefing journalists on Friday at the end of the Council’s weekly meeting.
A statement by the Media Adviser to the Monarch, Chief Ajibade Olubunmi, quoted the Oba as saying that “we will also not discountenance other methods employed by our forefathers in ensuring security in our communities in the days of old.”
The Chairman of the Obas Council,also, disclosed that Government has promised that no land would be ceded to strangers in its livestock development programme.
According to Oba Alabi, who is the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana Rtd, who briefed the Royal Fathers, gave details of Government’s plan to upgrade the security architecture of the state.
This include increase in the personnel of the Amotekun security outfit, provision of gadgets, logistics and adequate training for members of the outfit to enhance their duties in making the state safe alongside other security agents.
He further assured the monarchs that Government would continue to provide logistic support to the Police in the State.
Ekiti would be third State to invoke, and/or threaten to use traditional methods against perpetrators of kidnapping and other insecurities.
A couple of years back, the revered Oba of Benin, invoked traditional curses on perpetrators of such acts. Sadly, it has not in anyway stemmed the scourge.
A few days back, Traditional Rulers in Imo said they would invoke curses on those behind unprecedented violence in the state. The threat has been largely ignored.
And, now, Ekiti State.
