By DAYO ADESULU
In response to the alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State regarding the influx of bandits fleeing from the North-West, security agencies across the South-West have escalated strategies to curb the menace and protect the region.
Heightened Security Measures
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI, Osogbo, Patrick Edung, assured the public that the concerns raised by Makinde, as the chief security officer of the state, are being taken seriously. Efforts include:
- Intensified patrols in all 33 local government areas of Oyo State.
- Deployment of special squads to vulnerable areas.
- Strengthened community policing through collaboration with local leaders and vigilante groups.
- Enhanced intelligence gathering to disrupt bandit networks.
- Collaboration with other security agencies such as the military, DSS, and NSCDC.
- Development of an emergency response plan for rapid deployment of resources.
The Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) has also launched a manhunt for bandits in the state, though specific operational strategies remain undisclosed.
Public Collaboration and Vigilance
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed that the police are on high alert and have solicited public support for intelligence that could aid in fighting crimes.
Amotekun’s Commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), emphasized that proactive measures are ongoing to root out bandits lurking in Oyo State’s forests.
Yoruba Nation Activist Joins the Fight
Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, expressed his willingness to collaborate with the government and security agencies to tackle bandits hiding in South-West forests.
“I will go after the bandits and herdsmen lurking in the forests and some communities in the South-West, provided the government gives me the go-ahead to do so.”
Igboho condemned the violence unleashed on innocent farmers by rogue herders and bandits, calling for swift action to safeguard livelihoods and lives.
Afenifere’s Call for Action
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, urged South-West governors to convene urgently and devise strategies to address the security threats. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere called for:
- Inclusion of traditional rulers and local vigilantes in security planning.
- Deployment of modern technologies and attractive incentives for personnel.
- Regular monitoring to prevent the establishment of bandit camps in the region.
Afenifere warned that inaction could lead to a proliferation of such camps in other parts of the South-West, emphasizing the need for immediate and sustained efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Security agencies in the South-West are intensifying patrols, intelligence gathering, and collaboration to address banditry.
- Sunday Igboho has offered to assist in rooting out bandits with government approval.
- Afenifere has called for a coordinated strategy involving governors, security agencies, and traditional leaders.
- Public cooperation and modern security technologies are deemed critical to safeguarding the region.
