The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, alongside the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other critical security stakeholders, has launched a coordinated security initiative aimed at safeguarding schools and communities across the state amid rising concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.
The move followed an emergency security meeting convened by the state government, where traditional rulers, security agencies, local vigilante groups, hunters, and members of the Osun Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, resolved to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering around educational institutions and vulnerable communities.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the safety of schoolchildren remains a top priority. He disclosed that additional security personnel would be deployed to strategic locations, particularly around schools, while community-based security structures would be strengthened to detect and prevent criminal activities.
The Ooni of Ife commended the state government for taking proactive steps to address security concerns, urging traditional rulers and community leaders to support ongoing efforts by providing credible intelligence and mobilising local residents against criminal elements. He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration between government, security agencies, and citizens.
As part of the resolutions reached, hunters, local vigilantes, Amotekun operatives, and other security outfits were directed to intensify patrols in forests, border communities, and remote areas that could serve as hideouts for kidnappers and other criminal groups. Security agencies were also urged to improve information sharing and rapid response mechanisms.
The stakeholders expressed confidence that the coordinated approach would help deter criminal activities and reassure parents, teachers, and residents of the government’s determination to maintain peace and security throughout Osun State. They further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to relevant authorities.
The renewed security mobilisation comes amid heightened concerns over attacks on schools and communities in some parts of Nigeria, prompting several states to adopt preventive measures to forestall security breaches and protect residents.