Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Weng Global
The Ekiti State Government has approved the establishment of a new military base in Eda Oniyo, a border community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, following a recent deadly attack that claimed lives and heightened security concerns in the area.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced the decision as part of a broader strategy to strengthen security across the state’s vulnerable border communities and prevent future attacks by criminal elements.
The governor said the military formation would provide a permanent security presence in Eda Oniyo and surrounding communities, improve surveillance, and enable faster response to security threats.
The approval comes after armed assailants reportedly invaded the community, leaving residents in fear and prompting renewed calls for stronger government intervention to protect lives and property.
Military base to enhance security
Speaking during a visit to the affected community, Governor Oyebanji assured residents that the government would not allow criminal groups to operate freely within Ekiti State.
He said the establishment of the military base is intended to serve as a long-term security solution rather than a temporary response to the attack.
According to the governor, security agencies have already intensified patrols around the affected communities while arrangements are being concluded for the military facility.
He stressed that protecting citizens remains one of his administration’s highest priorities and pledged continued collaboration with federal security agencies to maintain peace across the state.
Border communities remain vulnerable
Communities located along state boundaries have increasingly become targets for armed criminals who exploit forest corridors and remote routes to carry out attacks before fleeing into neighbouring states.
Residents of Eda Oniyo have repeatedly appealed for stronger security measures, arguing that the community’s location makes it vulnerable to attacks by armed groups operating across state borders.
The proposed military base is expected to complement existing security operations involving the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.
Security analysts have noted that establishing permanent security formations in strategic border locations can significantly improve intelligence gathering and emergency response capabilities.
Governor visits victims
During his visit, Governor Oyebanji sympathised with families affected by the attack and assured them that those responsible would be tracked and brought to justice.
He also directed relevant government agencies to provide necessary support to affected residents while security personnel continue investigations into the incident.
The governor urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
He emphasized that community participation remains essential in combating insecurity, adding that residents should promptly report suspicious movements to security authorities.
Commitment to protecting lives
Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in security infrastructure and supporting security agencies with logistics needed to carry out their duties effectively.
He noted that the state government has consistently provided operational vehicles, communication equipment, and other resources to security agencies since the beginning of his administration.
According to him, the new military base forms part of broader efforts to ensure that every part of Ekiti remains safe for residents, farmers, investors, and visitors.
The governor added that peace and security are essential for economic development, agriculture, education, and other sectors that drive the state’s growth.
Residents welcome decision
Many residents reportedly welcomed the approval of the military base, describing it as a timely intervention that could restore confidence among people living in the area.
Community leaders expressed optimism that the permanent presence of military personnel would discourage criminal activities and improve safety for farmers and traders who regularly travel through the border communities.
They also appealed to the government to improve access roads and communication facilities to support security operations and make it easier for emergency responders to reach remote settlements.
Wider security efforts
The establishment of the military base aligns with ongoing efforts by both the Ekiti State Government and the Federal Government to strengthen security across Nigeria’s rural and border communities.
Authorities have continued to encourage stronger collaboration among security agencies, local communities, and traditional institutions to address emerging security challenges.
Experts believe that combining military presence with improved intelligence sharing, community policing, and socio-economic development will offer more sustainable solutions to insecurity.
As preparations begin for the new military base, residents hope the initiative will provide lasting peace and prevent a recurrence of the violence that recently shook Eda Oniyo.
The Ekiti State Government has assured citizens that it will continue working closely with security agencies to ensure perpetrators are arrested while additional measures are implemented to safeguard communities across the state.
Sources
- Ekiti State Government
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
- The Nation Nigeria
- Punch Newspapers
