By Victor Akinkuolie Ado-Ekiti

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Following the recent killing of two farmers in Isaba, Ikole local government area of Ekiti State, by yet to be identified persons, the Ekiti State Government has given a matching order to the security operatives in the state to mobilize their men to the area and fish out the perpetrators.
A release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation in the state, Mr Akin Omole, said: “The governor of the state had on Monday paid a condolence and fact finding visit to the affected community.
“During the visit, it was discovered that it is clear that the Ikole/Oye axis of the state is vulnerable to incursions of criminally minded elements who want to take advantage of the forest topography to visit unmitigated terror on farming communities in the area.
“The Government of Ekiti State places great value on the safety of lives and property of its residents, while we will continue to promote peaceful coexistence of all law-abiding Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious background. Government will not condone acts of mindless violence that create fear amongst our people or deter them from going about their lawful duties in safety on their farms or in their communities.
“The Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police and Amotekun Corps should mobilize troops within 24 hours to comb the forests in Ikole local government and secure the area from further attacks.
“The Commissioner of Police has been directed to commence investigation immediately to apprehend the culprits responsible for the dastardly act and bring them to justice.
“We reiterate that in consonance with the recent Akure peace meeting and joint communiqué issued between Southwest Governors and the Miyetti Allah, open/night grazing and underage herding remain banned in Ekiti State. The state is also making alternative arrangements for enclosed grazing/ranching under the National Livestock”
” Similarly, in line with Mr. President’s recent directive, anyone armed with automatic weapons found in Ekiti forests will be considered a dangerous criminal and treated accordingly by security operatives.
‘Accordingly, residents of the affected communities are requested to please assist the security agencies with useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the crime. We would like to reassure Ekiti Kete that they should continue to go about their lawful businesses; we remain committed to protecting lives and property” the statement read.