IDF condemns Ikere-Ekiti bank robbery attack, urges authorities to beef up security

*Ikere Development Forum, a think-tank group, strongly condemns the recent violent bank robbery in Ikere-Ekiti, in Ekiti State of Nigeria, while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, and Inspector-General of Police to immediately restore full security to the community, and ensure the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to justice

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Ikere Development Forum (IDF) a think-tank group and umbrella body for all Ikere Indigenes worldwide strongly condemns the security breach and violent bank robbery that took place in Ikere, Ekiti State on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

A branch of two commercial banks, namely Wema Bank and Access Bank, were attacked in the incident that brought social and economic activities to abrupt end, leading to the death of three security personnel of Amotekun.

Mr. Femi Ekundayo, FCIB, DF.IOD, National President of IDF, in a statement issued Thursday, December 14, 2023, said the Forum condemned the slow response of security agencies, especially the Police in responding to the dastardly act that claimed innocent lives.

Ekundayo stated: “The Forum notes with sadness how the State and the Federal government have left a whole local government without any functional police station since arsonists burnt down the two divisional police stations in the town during the EndSARS protest in 2020.

“We are sad that our beloved community was violently attacked by armed robbers on a day that has been tagged a Black Wednesday.”

The statement also noted: “This is the second time the peaceful community will be attacked by daredevil robbers who came to Rob commercial banks.

“Similar violent attack on banks happened in 2011 and left the town without banking activities for months.

“This new episode will cause social and economic setback for our people who will have to bear the pain of travelling to neighbouring communities for their banking transactions.

The Forum as well commiserated with HRM Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado Agirilala II, Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom, and the entire community over the tragic occurrence.

The statement also noted: “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinub, GCFR, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, and Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), to immediately restore full security to Ikere community, fast-track the rebuilding of the damaged Police stations and ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to justice.

The IDF National President added: “We call on the relevant security agencies to be alert to their responsibilities and ensure the protection of lives and property of our people in Ikere.

“We urge our people to remain calm, law-abiding, vigilant and support the security agencies in their bid to put an end to such occurrence in our community.”