group of protesters on Friday took to the streets in Oyo State to demonstrate against the Iru Ekun Security Network, a private security outfit associated with Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The protesters, who carried placards, accused the security outfit of allegedly discriminating against people from some ethnic groups and called for equal treatment of all residents irrespective of their tribe or background.
Some of the placards displayed during the protest read: “Say No To Iru Ekun, Crime Knows No Tribe,” “A Criminal Is A Criminal. One Nation, One People, One Nigeria,” and “Our Diversity Is Our Strength.”
The demonstration comes amid growing public debate and criticism surrounding the activities and methods of the Iru Ekun Security Network, particularly concerns over the role of privately organised security groups and their relationship with formal law-enforcement agencies.
The latest controversy followed an incident in Oyo State in which Iru Ekun operatives were accused of obstructing police officers who were attempting to arrest a suspect in Ibadan.
A rights group, Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiative (VOHRI), on Wednesday warned against allowing Iru Ekun or any other private group to operate as a parallel law-enforcement institution.
The group said no individual or organisation should be allowed to determine who should be arrested or punished without lawful authority and due process.
The criticism also comes after reports of confrontations involving Iru Ekun operatives during security operations in Oyo State.
In June, members of the group reportedly came under attack during a surveillance operation in the Old Oyo National Park while searching for suspected kidnappers and armed criminals. Igboho subsequently vowed that the group would continue its anti-kidnapping operations in the South-West.
Iru Ekun was established by Igboho as a community security initiative aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across parts of the South-West.
At the launch of the Lagos chapter earlier this month, Igboho directed members of the network operating in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states to intensify efforts against criminality.
According to reports, Igboho said the group would confront anyone threatening peace and security regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation and urged its members to operate within the law.
However, critics have continued to question the structure, accountability and methods of the privately organised security network, particularly given the existence of established state security structures such as the police and Amotekun.
A recent commentary published by Nigerian Tribune also raised concerns about the regulation and oversight of Iru Ekun, while discussing Igboho’s growing involvement in regional security matters.
The protesters’ demonstration on Friday adds a new dimension to the debate, with the placards emphasising ethnic inclusiveness and warning against treating crime through a tribal lens.
The protesters called for security operations to be conducted without discrimination, insisting that criminality should be addressed based on individual conduct rather than ethnic identity.
Source: Saharareporters
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
INSTAGRAM
