Self-styled security champion in Yoruba areas, Sunday Adeyemo, known as Sunday Igboho, has promised that his group, the Iru Ekun Security Network, will keep going after suspected kidnappers and armed criminals in South-west Nigeria. This comes after some members of his team were injured in an ambush during an operation.
Igboho made this promise on Sunday, just days after his security team reportedly faced attack in the Old Oyo National Park, a place known for kidnapping and violent crimes.
In a video shared on social media, Adeyemo stated that the attack and injuries would not stop them from their mission.
"I want to use this moment to tell my lovers everywhere that I am healthy. Those injured have healed and are healthy now," he said.
"Until those kidnappers that are disturbing people on our land all leave, that is when we will rest. I assure you."
Details of the attack
The recent clash happened during a surveillance mission by the Iru Ekun team in a section of the Old Oyo National Park believed to be a hideout for armed groups.
A team member who took part in the operation shared details about the shooting in a video. He explained that they entered the forest through the Igbeti axis and spotted two young men in an unusual spot deep inside the reserve. The suspects ran away as soon as they saw the security team, leading the operatives to chase after them.
"As soon as they saw us, they ran into the forest. We also moved after them because it was unusual to find people and a moving vehicle at that location."
The situation escalated into a gunfight. The armed suspects began shooting at the operatives while trying to escape. One team member suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, with five bullets hitting him.
The operative added that police officers with the team gave first aid before taking the injured member out of the forest for treatment. Several other operatives also got minor injuries during the encounter.
Ongoing security concerns
This incident highlights ongoing security worries in Oyo State, especially around communities near the Old Oyo National Park. The park has been in the news for kidnappings and attacks by armed groups operating in its remote areas.
The latest fears increased after over 40 schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. They are still being held captive.
Among those taken was the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Dada, Mrs Rachael Alamu. The situation drew national attention after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity.
This mass abduction and murder sparked anger and raised alarms about the worsening security around schools and rural areas in Oyo State.
Igboho's statement also comes after he criticized some Fulani leaders for the rise in kidnappings and violent crimes in Oyo State. He had earlier called for the release of abducted victims in Igboho and warned that communities would keep fighting against criminal activities threatening residents.
His comments reflect growing public anger over the repeated kidnappings, especially in areas close to forests in Oyo and neighboring states.
Igboho gained national attention in January 2021 during former President Muhammadu Buhari's time after he issued a warning to suspected criminal herders in parts of Ibarapa, Oyo State, accusing them of killings and kidnappings.
His campaign received strong backing in parts of the South-west as insecurity grew. In May, Igboho launched the Iru Ekun group, stating they had started operations in forests across the South-west and parts of Kogi and Kwara states to drive out terrorists and criminals.
"Yoruba land is peaceful. We don’t carry guns; our minds were at ease before some people began playing games with Jonathan just to cause unrest during his presidency. Since then there have been issues," he told some Iru Ekun members in a video that circulated online.
He noted that the current administration gave him the chance to help with regional security after his release from detention.
"A Yoruba man is the president and that is the privilege I am enjoying now. Will I now watch and see things get bad after getting my freedom? What we can do as contribution is to go into the forests and fish out the terrorists, even if you are Yoruba," he added.
Igboho also warned his security team members to behave themselves, urging them to stay disciplined while carrying out their duties.
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