“I never abandoned Eruku” – Ekiti LGA chair

…counters negligence claim, lists security efforts

Contrary to claims of negligence raised by youths in Eruku following Tuesday’s gunmen attack on worshippers, the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Hon. Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, has said he has never abandoned the community and has consistently invested in security since assuming office.

A statement by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Dada Sunday, and a copy made available to Sobi FM, described the claim as unfair and misleading, saying security has remained top of his priority since assuming office on September 24, 2024.

“I have never for one day neglected Eruku or any part of Ekiti LGA. The allegation is unfair and misleading. Since I assumed office in September 2024, security has been my top priority,” he stated.

He noted that his administration has recruited more vigilante operatives, improved their welfare and supplied logistics across the LGA.

“We procured and distributed 20 Bajaj motorcycles to vigilante groups in all wards. We also refurbished and deployed a Hilux van specifically to Eruku, knowing it is a border town vulnerable to attacks,” he said.

“That Hilux was abandoned for years. We replaced the engine, installed communication gadgets and equipped it for effective patrol. That was done strictly to strengthen Eruku’s security,” he explained.

The chairman added that security agencies also received support. “We gave one motorcycle each to the police division in Eruku, the police station in Osi, the Civil Defence and the DSS. We wanted every security formation to be mobile and responsive.”

Recalling a previous attack, Awelewa said the LGA acted swiftly. “When cattle rustlers invaded Eruku in 2025 and burnt the refurbished vigilante van, we didn’t fold our arms. We mobilised operatives and rescued victims of the highway attack. Three of our men were shot, and the council has been taking care of their medical bills till today.”

He also referenced a more recent incident involving returning indigenes attacked near Ajase-Ipo. “It took our urgent response from the Opin/Osi axis to chase the kidnappers and rescue the victims. I led that mobilisation personally,” he said.

Awelewa stressed that his intervention was not limited to security. “I constructed two motorised boreholes in Eruku: one at Mayegun and another at Oke Aafe. Each has a 1.0hp submersible pump, 5,000-litre tank and multiple fetching points,” he added.

“We increased vigilante salaries by 50%, recruited more operatives and commenced training sessions to enhance efficiency,” he said.

The chairman further disclosed ongoing plans for additional welfare support. “We are already working on an insurance policy to cover all vigilante operatives. Their safety is non-negotiable.”

“It is simply not true that we abandoned Eruku. The records are there. My administration has invested heavily in security and community development,” he said.

He urged residents not to politicise the tragic attack but to cooperate with authorities. “This is a time for unity and accurate information, not blame games,” he added.