The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media that there is no security presence in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, describing such assertions as false and misleading.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Sunday Abutu, said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.
Abutu said the Command’s attention had been drawn to a video allegedly shared on the Arabatv platform, which insinuated that the absence of security personnel led to the recent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in the community.
He said the claim was an attempt to discredit the efforts of the government and security agencies in safeguarding lives and property in the state.
According to him, although there is no police division in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, the Iye-Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters adequately covers the community, with officers conducting regular patrols in the area.
He added that the axis is also supported by about three military checkpoints, with personnel carrying out routine patrols.
Abutu further explained that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, had established a Joint Task Force to strengthen surveillance, particularly in rural and border communities.
He said the task force comprised the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, vigilantes and local hunters.
The police spokesman noted that the initiative was part of proactive measures to prevent infiltration by criminal elements fleeing intensified operations in neighbouring states.
He said security operatives responded promptly to the incident, combing surrounding bushes up to neighbouring Kwara State in a bid to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the attackers.
Abutu also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, led a team to the scene of the incident on the night it occurred and remained there until the following day.
He said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims and prevent a recurrence, urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.
The spokesman, however, cautioned against what he described as politically motivated and unverified criticisms, advising members of the public to provide constructive feedback.
He also alleged that organisers of the church programme did not inform security agencies prior to the event for necessary protection.
Abutu urged residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information to help curb criminal activities.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and encouraged the public to make use of its emergency line in case of distress.
