The Osun State Government has convened a crucial meeting with monarchs of boundary communities to address growing security concerns in their domains.
Recent violent crimes, including kidnappings and attacks on villagers in neighbouring Ondo State, have heightened fears among residents of Osun’s border towns, particularly those along the Osun/Ondo boundary.
Many worry that criminals could infiltrate through shared forest areas if proactive measures are not taken.
Residents of Owena-Ijesa, the last Osun community on the Ilesa/Akure Expressway, have called for increased security presence, especially in villages far from major roads.
Kazeem Oyatope, a farmer in Owena-Ijesa, told The PUNCH on Sunday that while the area has not recently experienced attacks, preventive measures are necessary.
“The government and residents must act now to prevent gunmen from bringing their crimes into our villages,” he said.
When contacted on the state’s security plans, Osun State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mr. Samuel Ojo, assured that the administration was working tirelessly to safeguard residents.
“The government is doing wonderfully well, and a meeting on border towns is scheduled for Thursday,” Ojo told our correspondent.
He added, “All the Service Commanders, representatives of all the Kabiyesi (traditional rulers) of border towns, Area Commanders, DPOs, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, Vigilantes, Hunters, and other security agencies operating in these areas will be in attendance.”
The meeting, according to the SA, is expected to develop strategies to prevent criminal infiltration and strengthen security in Osun’s border communities.
