The traditional ruler of a banditry-ravaged town in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has denied that he was arrested for colluding with the bandits.
A video that trended for weeks on social media in the state alleged the traditional ruler of Babanla, Oba Adegboyega Alabi, was arrested after a huge sum of money suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping was found in his palace and bank accounts.
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Addressing a press conference in Ilorin on Wednesday, Mr Alabi denied being quizzed or arrested by law enforcement.
However, Mr Alabi acknowledged that some people were arrested over suspected proceeds of kidnapping traced to them.
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He attributed the rumour of his palace’s involvement to enemies out to sow seeds of discord among his people.
“In respect of the insecurity in our community, some people have been picked up and taken to Abuja for their alleged involvement of having huge amount of money.
“And many people have heard the state Commissioner of Police saying nothing was found in my palace. The same thing for Oba of Alabe. There was nothing found in his palace.
“So, no traditional ruler is in the net of the security agencies. I believe that the people spreading the rumour are the enemies of the community. But I’m telling you that they have not found any amount of money in my house,” the traditional ruler said.
Military base
Mr Alabi urged the Nigerian government to establish a military base in the area because of a forest that stretches to Edu, Patigi, Oke-Ero local government areas in Kwara and Kogi State.
He said the forest has become a haven for bandits, arguing that military presence in the area would check their activities in the forest.
The traditional ruler said the intervention of armed personnel had restored relative peace in Babanla but maintained that addressing the issue permanently would require the forest to be combed.
Mr Alabi said the Babanla community is ready to donate the forest to the government to enhance security in the area and create employment opportunities for the people.
“I have consulted all the necessary security agencies and they are working very hard on the security situation in our town. When you go to Babanla, people now sleep peacefully.
“It is not only in Babanla that we are experiencing kidnapping. People are talking about Babanla because we have the large forest where kidnappers and bandits are hiding. It is a very large land that extends to Edu, Patigi, Oke-Ero and Kogi State.
“When the Army GOC came, I told him that the solution is for them to comb the largest forest so that these criminals will leave that place for us. I told the GOC that we want them to place an army base very close to that forest so that we won’t have problem again about the invaders.
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“When the governor came and asked that if this forest is cleared, are we ready to give it to the government, I said yes. We are ready to give it to the government so that any investor can make use of the forest.”
Recalling the last attacks on the community, the traditional ruler said the bandits stole about 20 motorcycles and looted businesses.
Mr Alabi said the bandits’ activities forced people to abandon their farms and businesses.
However, said peace has been restored in the community with residents going about their normal activities.
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