Osun: Adeleke mobilises hunters, security forces to protect schools, communities

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has mobilized a multi-layered security approach to combat growing security concerns in the Southwest region. This initiative integrates formal security commanders with grassroots paramilitary and hunter groups to create a unified defense against banditry.

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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.

Governor Adeleke detailed his strategy following extensive consultations with various stakeholders. "We began at the grassroots: hunters, OPC, Agbekoya, Amotekun and community-based security groups," he stated. "Today, we escalated to an expanded State Security Council session with service commanders. Every layer of our security architecture is activated and coordinated."

The governor stressed the non-negotiable importance of protecting schools, communities, and citizens. He highlighted the deployment of intelligence gathering, strategic collaboration, and coordinated actions to ensure the state's safety. This move comes in response to recent bandit attacks in the Southwest, including an incident in Oyo State where dozens of pupils and teachers were abducted and a teacher was killed.

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

Recognizing the value of traditional intelligence networks, Adeleke has personally contacted the Osun State Traditional Council of Obas, through the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. "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," Adeleke explained, indicating plans for a meeting with all traditional rulers.

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Today, we escalated to an expanded State Security Council session with service commanders. Every layer of our security architecture is activated and coordinated.

He urged residents to stay vigilant and cooperate with security deployments. "To the good people of Osun: we are watching. We are working. And we will not relent. If you see something, say something," the governor concluded, reinforcing the collective responsibility in maintaining security.

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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.