Osun Moves To Secure Border Communities Amid Growing Insecurity From Ondo

The Osun State Government has started discussions with traditional rulers from boundary communities to tackle rising insecurity following increased criminal activities in those areas.

This move comes in response to recent kidnappings and violent attacks in neighboring Ondo State, sparking fears that the insecurity could spread into Osun through the shared forested regions between the states.

Residents of Owena-Ijesa, the last Osun community along the Osun-Ondo border on the Ilesa-Akure Expressway, voiced their concerns on Sunday, urging the government to enhance security in vulnerable areas.

Mohammed Oguntope, a resident, called for urgent action, warning that criminals operating in Ondo could easily infiltrate Osun through the forests.

“The government needs to act fast. These gunmen attacking Ondo villages can cross into our communities through the forests,” Oguntope stated.

In response, the Osun State Government reassured citizens of its commitment to working with security agencies to improve safety across the state.

Samuel Ojo, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ademola Adeleke, announced that a security meeting is scheduled for Thursday, involving key stakeholders.

The meeting will include Service Commanders, representatives of traditional rulers from border towns, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups, hunters, and other security agencies.

Ojo emphasized the government’s dedication to safeguarding residents and preventing insecurity from spilling over from Ondo. He added that security forces in border communities had been placed on high alert, with local vigilante groups strengthened to support law enforcement.

He highlighted the crucial role of traditional rulers in identifying security threats and assisting security personnel with intelligence gathering.

Community leaders also urged the deployment of more police officers to rural areas, especially those far from major highways, to deter criminal activities.

A local chief, speaking anonymously, stressed that the dense forests make border towns vulnerable, saying, “These criminals use the thick forests as cover. We need government support to patrol these areas effectively.”