Osun Governor Adeleke Rallies Hunters and Security Forces for School and Community Safety

Following growing security worries in the Southwest, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has set up the state's security system to protect schools and communities.

In a statement on X on Tuesday, Adeleke explained that this plan brings together the state's official security leaders with local paramilitary and hunter groups to fight against banditry.

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."

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

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

"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," the governor added.

Recognizing the importance of traditional intelligence networks, the governor shared that he has contacted the Osun State Traditional Council of Obas, through the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

"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."

"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," he wrote.

Adeleke called on residents to stay alert and work with the ongoing security efforts, saying, "To the good people of Osun: we are watching. We are working. And we will not relent. If you see something, say something."

The state’s efforts come as bandit attacks rise in the Southwest, especially the recent incident on May 15 in Oyo State. Armed bandits attacked three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping many pupils and teachers, and beheading a mathematics teacher in captivity.