Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Ibadan, Oyo State, with about 20,000 volunteers reportedly joining the initiative.

The security outfit was inaugurated on Sunday at Mapo Hall, with its organisers saying it was established to strengthen community safety and combat criminal activities across Yorubaland, as well as parts of Kwara and Niger states.

In a statement released by his media office in Ibadan, Igboho said the launch followed similar inaugurations in Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states, alongside engagements with traditional rulers and community leaders.

The statement added that the network had been working with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies to address kidnapping, killings and other security challenges, particularly in the South-West.

Igboho described the reported turnout of volunteers as an indication of residents’ willingness to participate in safeguarding their communities, regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.

He also explained that his recent visit to Abuja was connected to efforts to strengthen the network’s security responsibilities and improve its operations across the South-West.

According to him, the visit followed a request received the previous night and involved collaboration with the Olubadan of Ibadanland. He described the initiative as the brainchild of traditional rulers in the region, established to promote peace and security.

Igboho expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he credited with providing a platform for the initiative to engage and coordinate its activities.

He further called on Nigerians and members of the security network to support Tinubu’s re-election bid and vote for the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming presidential election.