By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a total security cordon, comprising round-the-clock aerial surveillance and ground troop coordination, over the forest belts of Kwara State.
The directive also extends to the forest areas of Kebbi and Niger States.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, confirmed the directive in a public statement on Tuesday.
The statement reads in part: “President Tinubu has ordered a total security cordon over the forests in Kwara State following recent kidnappings and terrorist activities.
“President Tinubu directed the Air Force to expand its air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests in Kwara State where it is believed the terrorists are hiding. They are to maintain a 24-hour surveillance and link up with the boots on the ground.”
The New Diplomat reports that the directives come in the wake of the recent abduction and rescue of 38 worshippers in Eruku, and the reported kidnapping of at least 10 residents on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
It was gathered that the latest attack occurred around 6 p.m. when between 20 and 30 bandits stormed the quiet agrarian settlement with a large herd of cattle, shooting indiscriminately as residents fled for safety.
