By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commiserated with the people of Ora Igbomina following recent banditry attacks in the community, assuring residents that a military-backed rescue and protection operation has been underway for the past three days.
He gave the assurance after an emergency State Security Council meeting held on Wednesday evening, describing the attack as “deeply saddening” and a major security breach, despite what he said were watertight pre-emptive security measures put in place over the last three months.
Reviewing the situation with top security commanders from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other paramilitary agencies, Governor Adeleke expressed confidence that the ongoing military-backed operations across Osun’s border communities would prevent a recurrence and secure the release of a kidnapped retired customs officer.
“From the moment of the unfortunate incident, our security forces launched rescue and protection operations. For the past three days, the police, the army, and the DSS have been combing the affected areas while also reviewing the security architecture,” the governor said.
He noted that a delicate rescue operation is currently ongoing, stressing that the government would avoid actions capable of jeopardising its success.
“We do not want to compromise the integrity of the process,” he added.
As part of broader security measures, Governor Adeleke announced plans to deploy refurbished armoured personnel carriers for operations across the state, alongside the procurement of additional patrol vehicles to strengthen security presence.
He also disclosed that the state government is reviewing the joint security patrol programme, which will be unveiled at the appropriate time to further protect residents.
To forestall further security breaches and possible spillover of criminal activities from neighbouring Kwara State, the governor issued new operational guidelines for the Osun Amotekun Corps, directing the outfit to ensure proper coordination with the police.
He ordered an immediate joint operational meeting between the police and Amotekun leadership, warning that working in silos would no longer be tolerated.
According to him, Amotekun operatives must always involve the police in their operations to guarantee synergy and adequate support, expressing satisfaction that the corps would soon return fully to the field under the new framework.
Governor Adeleke, who lamented the unfortunate Akinlalu incident, said lessons had been learnt, while affirming that Amotekun remains critical in addressing emerging security challenges in the state.
“After the security council meeting, I am pleased to announce that the Amotekun service will resume full operations under the new guidelines I have issued. We are facing an emergency in our border towns, and it is important to get Amotekun back to the field as urgently as possible,” he said.
The governor also appealed to residents to reduce late-night activities, especially during the yuletide season, citing increased risks associated with night-time gatherings.
“Criminals are targeting late-night events. I urge our people to stick to daytime activities to better protect themselves,” he cautioned.
Governor Adeleke reiterated his sympathy to victims of the attack and assured residents that his administration is working tirelessly to prevent a recurrence.
It will be recalled that suspected bandits abducted a retired Nigeria Customs Service officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, during a violent attack on Ora, a border community between Osun and Kwara states. The attack reportedly claimed one life and left residents gripped by fear.
The incident occurred along Akisa Road, Ora, Osun State, shortly before 7:00 p.m. on Monday.
