Adeleke Takes Action to Secure Schools and Communities in Osun

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is stepping up security in response to rising fears in the Southwest. He announced that the state’s security plan is now active to protect schools and local communities.

In a statement on X, Adeleke explained that he is bringing together formal security leaders and local groups, like hunters, to combat banditry. This team aims to create a strong defense against these threats.

Adeleke said, "In the past few days, I have held extensive security consultations with stakeholders across the state, formal and informal, to strengthen our collective preparedness against emerging threats."

He added, "We began at the grassroots: hunters, OPC, Agbekoya, Amotekun and community-based security groups."

The governor noted that they have now moved to a larger State Security Council meeting with service commanders. He stressed that every part of their security plan is now active and coordinated.

He said, "Securing our schools, our communities, and our people is non-negotiable, and we are deploying intelligence gathering, strategic collaboration and coordinated action to protect every inch of the state."

Adeleke also acknowledged the importance of traditional intelligence networks. He mentioned that he has reached out to the Osun State Traditional Council of Obas through the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

He stated, "I have personally reached out to the Osun State Traditional Council of Obas, through the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and we will soon be meeting with all traditional rulers across Osun."

Adeleke believes these traditional rulers are key in community security as they know their areas well. He said, "They are not just custodians of our culture, they are also the eyes and ears of their domains, and critical partners in community security response."

The governor urged people in Osun to stay alert and work with the security teams. He said, "To the good people of Osun: we are watching. We are working. And we will not relent. If you see something, say something."

This move by the state comes as bandit attacks rise in the Southwest. Recently, on May 15, armed bandits attacked three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, kidnapping many students and teachers and killing a mathematics teacher who was held captive.