In a voice trembling with frustration and hope, Elder Oniya, secretary of the Egbe Mekun Security Committee, has sounded a clarion call to the public, exposing a troubling web of corruption, complicity, and chaos threatening the fragile peace in Egbe and its environs.
At the heart of his message is a desperate plea: “Some of us are trying to make peace possible, but others among us are bent on destroying it. They benefit from disorder.”
Oniya recounts a disturbing incident on October 9th, when the Egbe Mekun Security Squad intercepted individuals smuggling fuel through bush paths under the cover of darkness—fuel believed to be destined for kidnappers.
The timing, the route, and the secrecy all pointed to foul play. Yet, despite a standing law by the Local Government Chairman banning the sale of fuel in jerry cans and the supply of food to bush dwellers, the suspects were released.
“Who allowed these people to go?” Oniya asked. A vigilante officer pointed fingers at Mr Femi Adeyeye, the Special Adviser on Security for Yagba West LGA.
When confronted, Adeyeye denied ordering their release but admitted to instructing that the fuel be seized and the suspects let go. “Is there sense in that?” Oniya challenged. “You know the law, yet you let them go?”
The situation spiralled further when one Mr Emma Okunran, allegedly behind the fuel operation, confronted Oniya, claiming the suspects were sent after 7 a.m.—a claim contradicted by arresting officers who confirmed it was still dark when the arrests were made.
But that wasn’t the end. Oniya revealed that shortly after, another suspect was caught selling Indian hemp. This one was taken to court and sentenced.
Yet, a disturbing pattern emerged: while indigenous suspects faced justice, others—like a group of Hausa youths caught with drugs—were reportedly beaten, then quietly released.
The drugs, Oniya said, were traced back to the son of a local king and a doctor’s son—both of whom were briefly detained.
The inconsistencies and selective enforcement of justice have left the community disillusioned. “We are tired of these vigilante people,” Oniya lamented.
“They don’t know more than money.” He accused them of collecting bribes—₦500,000 in one case—to release suspects, undermining the very security they are meant to uphold.
Even more troubling, Oniya pointed to some local chiefs who, he claims, harbour criminals and disrespect the authority of the Elegbe of Egbe. “They feed from the crisis,” he said. “They are disturbing our peace.”
Despite attempts to organise peaceful protests, including a picketing of the vigilante office, efforts have been thwarted by intimidation and misinformation. One vigilante leader, Ogunleye, allegedly accused protesters of trying to burn his house, while another, Ajulo, reportedly blocked their demonstration.
In a moment of raw honesty, Oniya shared how the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Tosin Olokun, threatened to arrest him for raising concerns. “We are spending our own money to help,” Oniya said. “We are only trying to make peace reign.”
His message ends not with anger, but with a plea: “We are begging you to help us in this battle. May God use you and your talents to help us. May peace return to Egbe.”