In response to escalating security concerns, the Osun State Government has called for a meeting with monarchs from border communities to address the rising wave of violent crimes.
This initiative follows fears in Osun’s boundary communities about the spillover of insecurity from neighboring Ondo State, particularly in towns such as Owena-Ijesa, which shares a boundary with Ondo along the Ilesa/Akure Expressway.
Recent reports of kidnappings and attacks in Ondo State have heightened fears that such violence could extend into Osun.
Residents have expressed concerns about the vulnerability of villages located far from major roads, urging the government to increase security presence in these areas.
Osun’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mr. Samuel Ojo, confirmed that the government had scheduled a security meeting for Thursday, which would include key stakeholders such as service commanders, monarchs, area commanders, and representatives from local security agencies, including the DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, Vigilante groups, and Hunters.
Ojo stated, “The meeting will bring together all relevant security agencies to discuss how to protect these border communities.”
Kazeem Oyatope, a farmer from Owena-Ijesa, echoed the concerns, urging the state government to take immediate action to prevent attacks by gunmen who have been terrorizing villages in Ondo.
The meeting aims to find solutions to ensure the safety of the people living in Osun’s border towns, reinforcing the state’s commitment to curbing insecurity.