Yuletide Celebrations: Okemesi/Ido-Ile Chairman Urges Residents To Remain Vigilant, Assures Adequate Security

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By Lukman Babatope

The Chairman of Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajibade Sunday Owolabi, has urged residents to remain security conscious during the forthcoming yuletide celebrations, assuring them of adequate security measures to ensure peaceful festivities across the council area.

Hon. Ajibade gave the advice on Sunday while addressing congregants during a church service in Okemesi-Ekiti, stressing the need for collective vigilance to sustain the relative peace being enjoyed in Ekiti State.

The council boss commended the Ekiti State Government for its efforts in maintaining security, describing the prevailing peace in the state as a product of deliberate and proactive leadership.

“As yuletide approaches, I pray we continue to enjoy the relative peace we have in Ekiti State, courtesy of our indefatigable and hardworking governor,” Hon. Ajibade said.

He urged residents to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious movements or unfamiliar persons within their communities to the police or nearest security agents.

The chairman disclosed that the council, in collaboration with the state government, had put in place comprehensive security arrangements to cover the festive period.

“As a government, we will deploy security measures involving soldiers, the police, Amotekun, civil defence and local vigilante groups,” he said.

According to him, the security operations will include bush combing, town patrols and surveillance around churches, particularly on worship days, due to the anticipated influx of visitors during the celebrations.

Hon. Ajibade also advised churches to suspend night vigils for now, citing security concerns.

“I advise churches to suspend night vigils for now, as terrorists also operate at night. It happened recently in an Ekiti LCDA, but thanks to the governor’s quick response, the abductors were overpowered and the abducted persons were freed,” he said.

The chairman further informed the congregants that the Ekiti State Police Command had banned the sale and use of fireworks such as bangers, firecrackers and knockouts during the yuletide.

“The police have banned fireworks because their sounds resemble gunshots. Selling or using them during this period is an offence according to the Ekiti State Police Command,” he said.

Hon.Ajibade prayed for divine protection for residents during and after the celebrations and wished them a peaceful yuletide and a prosperous new year.

“I pray God guides and protects us during the celebrations and beyond. I wish you happy and peaceful celebrations and a glorious 2026 in advance,” he said.