The Ebira people living in Ondo State have announced the ban of all traditional festivals in their communities as part of an effort to tackle security and crimes in the state.

One of the leaders of Ebira Communities in Ondo State, Abiodun Umoru stated this in Akure, the state capital on Monday.

“Umoru, who expressed displeasure over the mention of one Idris Ojo, who was an escapee from Kuje prison as one of those arrested for carrying out the massacre in Owo on June 5, 2022, a month after, said some steps had been taken to ensure that criminals were flushed out of Ebira community. Adding that his people are ready to join hands with the security agencies to fight insecurity.

“The communities also urged the state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, to establish the Amotekun posts in various communities where the Ebira people reside across the state, and enlist their indigenes in the state security network agency to assist in the fight against the criminal elements.

He said, “We can no longer fold our arms while some of our kinsmen will be acting against our cherished cultural norms and values.

“We have warned and educated our women who sell food items at strategic locations on the major roads of the dangers of hobnobbing with suspected criminals by volunteering information to them.

“We use this medium to appreciate the present administration for its tireless efforts at reducing the rate of criminality across the state. We pledge not to relent in our commitment to continue to contribute our quota to the socio-economic and political development of the sunshine state,” Umoru said.