• Bandits attack palace, abduct 10 in Kwara
• Amnesty International demands rescue of abducted victims
• PDP BoT, Turaki-led INWC members visit Makinde to sympathise over abductions

The Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, yesterday, said that he was still awaiting the Federal Government’s approval for the take-off of his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, to dislodge criminals from South-West forests.

Besides, he expressed his readiness to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by the Oyo State government, under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, to regulate activities of private security firms in the state.

In a statement, Igboho, who restated that all necessary documents and procedural requirements needed for the approval of the security outfit had been submitted to the Federal Government, commended President Bola Tinubu over his resolve and commitment to reinvigorate security architecture in the South-West region and other parts of the country.

In another development, suspected armed bandits have launched a coordinated midnight attack on Yashikira Community in Baruten Local Council of Kwara State, set the palace ablaze and abducted 10 people, including wives and children of the traditional ruler, Umar Seriki.

However, the Emir of Yashikira was said to have escaped the attack unharmed.

The bandits also stormed the Divisional Police Station, where they were reportedly repelled.

The Kwara State Police Command, which confirmed the incident in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the assault as “cowardly and audacious.”

Similarly, Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to urgently rescue residents abducted during the attack.

Meanwhile, Makinde, yesterday, held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who visited him to sympathise with the government and people of the state over the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Yawota and Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The delegation comprised members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by its Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and the party’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC), led by Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

The meeting was held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Turaki, who spoke with journalists shortly after the meeting, said the delegation visited the governor to identify with the state government and encourage residents amid the current security challenges confronting the affected communities.

He commended Makinde for the efforts, commitment and resources deployed towards safeguarding lives and property in the state, despite the growing security threats across parts of the country.

Turaki, however, condemned the activities of bandits and attacks on innocent citizens, describing the incident in Oriire Local Council as unfortunate and deeply disturbing.