The traditional ruler of Iwoye-Ketu in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Isaac Oyero, has raised concerns over what he described as a grossly inadequate security presence in the border community, warning that the situation has made it difficult to curb criminal activities in the area and its environs.
The monarch said the community is currently being served by only three poorly equipped police officers, noting that much of the visible security in the area is provided by officers of the Republic of Benin’s police force stationed on the Francophone side of the border.
According to him, Iwoye-Ketu is surrounded by vast, largely ungoverned border spaces, abandoned farmlands and forest reserves that have, over the years, become hideouts and transit routes for criminal elements operating across national boundaries.
Oba Oyero condemned the recent attack on Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) operatives, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable, and called for a comprehensive investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
While acknowledging that cross-border trade in items such as rice and fuel is common in many border towns, the monarch expressed shock over allegations that a 12-tyre truck was used to transport illicit drugs through the area.
“Such a large-scale and dangerous criminal enterprise does not reflect the values, activities or traditions of the people of Iwoye-Ketu,” he said, urging the Ogun I Area Command of the NCS to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.
The monarch said residents have, for decades, appealed to governments at all levels to strengthen security in the community, citing repeated attacks including armed robbery, kidnapping and the killing of farmers by armed herders.
“At present, a community of over 25,000 people, based on the 2006 census, is being served by only three poorly equipped police officers, while a newly built police station remains largely unoccupied due to logistical challenges,” he said.
He added that the nearest Nigerian security response point is located in Imeko, about 20 kilometres away, making it difficult to reach some border areas during emergencies.
Oba Oyero appealed to the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to establish a fully equipped and operational security base in Iwoye-Ketu, similar to what exists on the Beninese side of the border.
“This will not only protect our people but also strengthen Nigeria’s border security and disrupt the activities of transnational criminal networks,” he said, reaffirming the community’s support for the Nigeria Customs Service and other lawful security agencies.
The monarch’s remarks were contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Abel Babatunde, and made available to journalists on Sunday.
He disclosed that the community has for years been at the mercy of criminal elements, including armed herders, robbers and kidnappers, who continue to terrorise residents.
