By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
In a decisive move to protect lives and prevent security risks, the Ekiti State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum for the evacuation of non-native occupants illegally settled on a farmland and border post between Isan Ekiti and Eda Oniyo communities in Ilejemeje Local Government Area.
The directive, issued during a mediation session over a land dispute at the Deputy Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, aims to avert potential threats amid rising cases of kidnapping and banditry across Nigeria.
Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, through her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, emphasized the urgency of the evacuation to safeguard the wellbeing of residents along the border area. She stated that the government, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is committed to maintaining robust security across the state and will not tolerate any acts that could jeopardize peace.
“It will be dangerous to allocate farmland to people whose origins and histories cannot be traced, especially considering the current security challenges in the country,” Mrs. Afuye warned. She further instructed the traditional rulers of both communities to ensure full compliance with the evacuation order within the stipulated seven days.
Highlighting the proximity of violent incidents in Kwara State’s Eruku community, where killings and kidnappings recently occurred, she urged swift action to preempt similar occurrences in Ekiti.
The ultimatum follows a petition by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola, who expressed concerns over the illegal ceding of border farmland by the Isan community to suspected non-natives. He described their presence as a serious security threat and accused them of illegal tree cutting to produce charcoal, defying government regulations.
Oba Awolola praised the government’s intervention but warned that failure to act promptly could escalate insecurity within the area.
In response, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, clarified that the community has instructed the occupants to vacate the farmland after the 2025 farming season, disputing claims that they intended to settle permanently. He assured full compliance with the government’s directive and emphasized ongoing peaceful relations with neighboring communities.
“We have always maintained peaceful coexistence with our neighbors, and we will not allow this issue to cause discord,” Oba Adejuwon stated.
To resolve the land boundary dispute, Mrs. Afuye confirmed that a technical committee would be dispatched to demarcate the land permanently.
The state government’s firm stance underscores its determination to prioritize security and forestall any condition that might facilitate criminal activities in Ekiti State.