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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Oyo assembly seeks joint task force to tackle insecurity

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Oyo State House of Assembly called for a Special Joint Security Taskforce to combat rising insecurity, particularly in the Oke-Ogun axis.
  • Lawmakers cited recent deadly attacks on travelers and abductions of teachers and students as evidence of the escalating threat.
  • The proposed taskforce would comprise trained personnel from various security agencies and local vigilantes with deep forest knowledge.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has advocated for the creation of a Special Joint Security Taskforce to address the escalating wave of insecurity in the Oke-Ogun region and other vulnerable areas of the state. The lawmakers proposed that this taskforce should be composed of specially trained personnel drawn from both mainstream and non-mainstream security agencies, augmented by local vigilantes possessing intimate knowledge of the region's dense forest terrains.

This resolution followed the consideration of a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, jointly sponsored by Minority Leader Waliu Salami and member Luqman Jimoh. The assembly's concern is amplified by recent violent incidents, including a June 12 attack on the Kishi-Igbeti Road where armed bandits ambushed travelers, resulting in the death of Moshood Kayode, a staff member of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and injuries to several others.

Lawmakers noted a disturbing trend, with several security-related motions debated within a short period between June 3 and June 9, reflecting growing safety concerns across the state. Less than 24 hours after the Kishi-Igbeti incident, another attack occurred along the Igboho-Igbeti Road, injuring multiple victims and heightening fears among residents, farmers, traders, and commuters.

The assembly also drew attention to coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, which led to the abduction of scores of teachers and students. While commending the existing efforts of security agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters, the House stressed the need for more proactive and coordinated measures. The lawmakers acknowledged Governor Seyi Makinde's support for security agencies through provisions of patrol vehicles and communication gadgets, but maintained that escalating threats require enhanced strategies.

Within three plenary sittings held between June 3 and June 9, several security-related motions were debated, describing the trend as a reflection of growing concerns over safety across the state.

โ€” Oyo State House of AssemblyThe assembly's statement highlighting the frequency of security concerns.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.