Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured residents of the state that a military-backed rescue and protection operation is underway in Ora and neighbouring border towns.
Governor Adeleke also commiserated with the people of Ora Igbomina following recent bandit attacks which resulted in the abduction of Emmanuel Owolabi and the killing of a community chief identified as Dennis.
DAILY POST had earlier reported that Owolabi, a retired personnel of the Nigerian Customs Service, was abducted form his residence in Ora town, Ifedayo local government area of the state on Monday evening by Hausa speaking men.
It was also gathered that Dennis was killed as the abductors made their way to escape into the bush.
Also, the Osun State Police Command in compliance with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has despatched tactical and Mobile Police, MOPOL, units to boundary communities within the state.
Governor Adeleke, according to a statement by his spokesman Olawale Rasheed, gave the assurance after an emergency state security council meeting held on Wednesday evening in Osogbo.
The statement revealed that during the meeting, the governor described the incident as “saddening and a major security breach despite pre-emptive measures taken in recent months”.
He noted that joint efforts were ongoing to prevent further attacks and secure the release of the kidnapped retired Customs officer.
“From the moment of the unfortunate incident, our security forces launched rescue and protection operation. The Police, Nigerian Army and DSS operatives had been combing the affected areas for the past three days.
“A delicate operation is ongoing and we do not want to jeopardise the integrity of the process,” he said.
While expressing confidence that the measures would yield results, the governor disclosed plans to strengthen security operations across the state adding that refurbished armoured tanks would soon be deployed, alongside the procurement of additional patrol vehicles to support security agencies.
He added that the state government was “reviewing the joint security patrol programme, which would be unveiled at an appropriate time to further enhance the protection of lives and property”.
To prevent further security breaches and possible spillover from neighbouring states, Governor Adeleke issued new operational guidelines for the Amotekun Security Service, directing it to ensure proper coordination with the police.
He ordered an operational meeting between police authorities and the Amotekun leadership and warned that working in isolation would no longer be tolerated and stressing the need for synergy in security operations.
The governor also urged residents to limit late-night activities, particularly during the yuletide period.
“These criminals were targeting night gatherings,” he added.
Banditry: Adeleke orders military backed operations in Osun border towns
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