Bothered by the security situation in neighbouring states, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday cut short his leave to meet with security chiefs in his state.
Oyebanji, who said that the security agencies had assured him that the state would be protected, assured all that his administration would do the needful to ensure the security of lives and property and prevent infiltration of criminals.
The governor, who spoke in Ikogosi Ekiti on Thursday, shortly after a meeting with some heads of security agencies in the state, said his government would not relent in progressively scaling up security architecture in and around the state.
The governor, who assured residents that the state remained safe, peaceful and secured, said that his government had taken decisive steps to strengthen intelligence gathering, tighten surveillance across all borders and communities, as well as ensure that criminal elements find no space to operate anywhere within the state.
He said, “We are elected to serve the people, and though I am on leave, but with what is happening around borders and neighbouring states, there is a need for me to cut short the leave, come back home and meet with our security chiefs.
“We just had a meeting where they briefed me on what they are doing, and I’m so grateful to them for being professional and for securing the state. So, I am comfortable and I am at peace with what they have told us.
“They have assured us that the state will be protected, and whatever it takes to make them do that, we shall continue to offer them.
“As far as we are concerned, Ekiti State is peaceful and we are on track. Most of those issues cannot be discussed here. But we are on track and satisfied with the reports that we have received, and they will also go back to scale up security around the state, and I also appeal to our people to help us with intelligence.
“No matter how well-intentioned they are, the quality of intelligence they get is extremely important. If you see something, say something.
“All efforts are being put in place to ensure Ekiti does not serve as a refuge for criminals. I appeal to residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence. Community participation remains vital to the success of security operations.”
He commended the security agencies for their unity, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the state.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for leaving no stone unturned in the bid to secure the country.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), praised the governor for his proactive approach in addressing security concerns in the state.
Ogundana said, “The governor’s decision to cut short his leave to meet with the service chiefs demonstrated a high level of commitment to protecting the lives and properties of people in the state”.
The security adviser said it was for proactive measures of this nature that Ekiti had earned the reputation of being the safest state in the country, adding that concerted efforts are being made to ensure that the state remains safe and secure.
Earlier in May 2025, PUNCH Online reported that Oyebanji called on the Nigeria Police Force to deploy additional personnel to the state to further enhance security and address criminal activities, particularly at the border towns.
Oyebanji urged the police force to intensify efforts to enhance security as the state would soon enter the election season.
The governor made the call in Ado Ekiti when he received the new Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 17, comprising Ondo and Ekiti States, Musibau Omolabi.
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