The monarch in Ido-Ekiti, Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, has confirmed the deployment of armed soldiers to the community.

The deployment was made to quell worries about the incessant armed robbery attacks in the area.

The Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti said this became necessary because the police appeared to be losing the battle and the people of the community needed to be assured that they could sleep with their two eyes closed.

The Monarch made the statement at a press conference to herald a week-long of activities marking Ajodun Ido Ogaganmodu 2016, an annual event that brings indigenes together for community development.

He assured his subjects, expected to come from within and across the country, of security during the one week festival.

The event featured prayer sessions, inter school debates, a widows’ empowerment programme, marathon race, cultural competition, medical outreach, beauty pageant, football competition, fundraising, among others.

Oba Ayorinde said the attack on a police station by unknown gunmen, prompted him to request for soldiers who are complemented by riot policemen, local vigilance operatives and hunters, to ensure security of lives and property.

About 40 gunmen attacked the station, killing a police inspector.

The first class monarch called on indigenes of the town that had made their marks elsewhere, to come home and invest, for the community to witness more development.

He explained that the security challenges in his kingdom could be attributed to the expansion of the town and influx of more people, adding that the step to bring soldiers was not too much to give residents rest of mind.

“I went to the governor to tell him that the police were not up to the task and I requested for the deployment of soldiers to complement the police.

“We have soldiers in the town now, about 20 soldiers with patrol vehicles and 20 mobile policemen. We also have the Baruba people, local hunters and vigilantes patrolling the town.”

The traditional ruler expressed confidence that the crisis that rocked the Federal Teaching Hospital located under his domain, would not recur as the panel raised by Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole had just submitted its report. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Nigerian soldiers.

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