Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has pledged his administration's relentless efforts to prevent a repeat of the recent deadly bandit attack in the state. The governor gave this assurance while sympathising with the residents of Ora Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area following the violent incident.
Details of the Ora Igbomina Attack and Security Response
The community was invaded by suspected bandits on the evening of Monday, December 15, 2025. The assailants killed a local village chief and abducted a retired officer of the Nigeria Customs Service. In response, Governor Adeleke convened an emergency meeting of the State Security Council on Wednesday, December 17.
Addressing the press after the meeting, the governor revealed that a military-backed rescue and protection operation has been active for the past three days. He stated that combined teams from the police, army, and Department of State Services (DSS) are combing the area to secure the release of the kidnapped victim and review the overall security architecture.
Ending the 'Cold War' and New Operational Guidelines
A significant part of the governor's address focused on resolving the friction between formal security agencies and the state's Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun. This tension escalated in September 2025 when police arrested and detained the Amotekun Commander in Osun, Isaac Omoyele, and 20 operatives over killings in Akinlalu community.
Governor Adeleke issued a stern warning against this disharmony. He declared that "working in silos will no longer be tolerated" and issued new operational guidelines for Amotekun. The governor directed the leadership of the regional security outfit to ensure proper coordination with the police in all future operations.
"Amotekun services should always involve the police in their operations to ensure synergy and service support," Adeleke emphasized. He expressed satisfaction that, under the new arrangement, Amotekun will soon return to full field operations to tackle the security challenges, especially in border towns.
Long-term Security Measures and Public Advisory
Beyond immediate responses, the governor outlined several steps to fortify security across Osun State. He announced that refurbished armoured tanks would soon be deployed for operations. The state is also in the process of procuring additional patrol vehicles to enhance the mobility of police and other security forces.
Furthermore, a reviewed joint security patrol programme is set to be unveiled at an appropriate time. Governor Adeleke also appealed to the public to exercise heightened vigilance, particularly during the festive season. He advised residents to reduce late-night activities, as criminals often target such gatherings, and encouraged sticking to daytime events for enhanced safety.
Concluding his remarks, Governor Adeleke reiterated his condolences to the victims of the banditry attacks. "We are working tirelessly to prevent a recurrence," he affirmed, underscoring his administration's commitment to restoring peace and security in Osun State.
