Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has commiserated with residents of Ora Igbomina following recent banditry attacks in the area, assuring that a military-backed rescue and protection operation has been ongoing for the past three days.
The governor gave the assurance after an emergency State Security Council meeting held on Wednesday evening, describing the incident as saddening and a major security breach despite what he said were “almost watertight pre-emptive precautions” put in place over the last three months.
Reviewing the security situation with service commanders from the police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services and other paramilitary agencies, Adeleke expressed confidence that the ongoing operations across the border towns would prevent a recurrence of the attacks.
He also assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of a kidnapped retired Customs officer.
“From the moment of the unfortunate incident, our security forces have launched rescue and protection operations. For the past three days, both the police, the army and the DSS have been combing the areas for rescue and also reviewing the security apparatus,” the governor said.
He added, “A delicate operation is ongoing and we don’t want to jeopardise the integrity of the process.”
Adeleke disclosed plans to further strengthen security operations across the state, including the deployment of refurbished armoured tanks and the procurement of patrol vehicles.
“As part of our security plan, we will soon deploy the refurbished armoured tanks for operations across the state. We are also procuring patrol vehicles to strengthen police and security operations in the state,” he said.
The governor added that the state was reviewing its joint security patrol programme, noting that it would be unveiled “at the right time to further protect our people.”
Naijaonpoint reports that this was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, December 18, and signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
To prevent further security breaches and possible spillover of criminal activities from neighbouring Kwara State, Adeleke issued new operational guidelines for the Osun Amotekun Corps.
According to the statement, the governor directed the Amotekun leadership to ensure proper coordination with the police during operations.
He ordered an operational meeting between the police authorities and the Amotekun service, warning that working in silos would no longer be tolerated.
“Amotekun services should always involve the police in its operations to ensure synergy and service support,” the governor said, expressing satisfaction that the corps would soon return to the field under the new arrangement.
Amotekun To Resume Operations
Lamenting the unfortunate Akinlalu incident, Adeleke said the Amotekun service had learnt lessons, adding that the law would take its course.
He stressed that the outfit was now more important than ever in view of emerging security challenges confronting the state.
“After the security council meeting, I am happy to announce that the Amotekun service will resume full operations under new guidelines I just issued,” he said.
“We are facing an emergency in our border towns and it is important to get the Amotekun back to the field as urgently as possible.”
The governor also appealed to members of the public to limit late-night activities, especially during the yuletide season.
“I must however plead with members of the public to reduce late-night activities. In addition to the banditry challenge, we are in the yuletide period when our people need to be security conscious,” he said.
“Criminals are targeting late-night gatherings. We need to stick to daytime events to further protect ourselves.”
Adeleke reiterated his sympathy with victims of the attacks and reassured residents of the state’s commitment to restoring peace.
“I once again commiserate with victims of recent banditry attacks. We are working tirelessly to prevent recurrence,” the governor said.