As kidnappings and bandit attacks continue to spread across communities along Osun State’s borders, concerns are mounting over what many observers describe as a lack of coordinated action between the state government and local government authorities in addressing the growing security challenge.
From Ora in Ifedayo Local Government Area to Ijebu-Jesa and Waasinmi, residents have witnessed an alarming increase in abductions for ransom over the past few months, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures.
Although Osun has not descended into the level of insecurity experienced in some neighbouring states, the recent surge in violent crimes, particularly kidnappings, has heightened fears among residents and exposed apparent gaps in the state’s security architecture.
Strategically located in Nigeria’s South-West and sharing boundaries with Oyo, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun states, Osun has increasingly become vulnerable to criminal elements operating across state lines.
Analysts and community leaders have linked the situation partly to the prevailing political divide between the state government and local council administrations. While the Accord-led administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke controls the state government, the local councils are largely under the leadership of officials elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Though both camps have separately introduced security initiatives, political rivalry has reportedly hindered the development of a unified and coordinated response to the threat of kidnapping and banditry.
Border Communities Under Pressure
Several kidnapping incidents recorded within the last six months have occurred in communities situated near Osun’s borders with neighbouring states.
One of the earliest reported cases involved Emmanuel Owolabi, who was abducted in Ora, a community bordering Kwara State. After spending nearly four weeks in captivity, he regained freedom following the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
Shortly afterwards, armed men reportedly returned to the same area and abducted two more residents, who were also released after ransom payments.
In another incident, gunmen kidnapped a resident identified as Sulaimon in Waasinmi, a community located along the Osun-Oyo boundary.
Similarly, on May 4, suspected kidnappers abducted a herdsman, Yahaya Suleimon, in Ijebu-Jesa. The abductors reportedly demanded N70 million before negotiations eventually secured his release.
Observers note that in most of these cases, victims regained freedom through ransom payments rather than rescue operations by security agencies.
Separate Efforts, Limited Results
In response to growing concerns, the Osun State Government has intensified security patrols in vulnerable border communities and established the Osun Security Trust Fund to mobilise resources for security operations.
The administration has also provided logistical support to security agencies operating within the state.
On their part, local government authorities under the umbrella of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, have undertaken independent security interventions.
Recently, the councils donated about 300 motorcycles and 30 operational vehicles to security agencies to enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities across the state.
Despite these interventions, kidnapping incidents have continued to occur, leading many residents to question the effectiveness of the fragmented approach to security management.
Residents Demand Greater Collaboration
Community leaders and residents interviewed across various border communities stressed that political disagreements should not be allowed to compromise public safety.
The Secretary of the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union Board of Trustees, Mr. Jide Akinyooye, warned that Orolu Local Government Area remains particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to Ogbomoso in Oyo State.
According to him, the increasing wave of criminal activities in neighbouring states poses a direct threat to communities within Osun if proactive security measures are not taken.
He urged both the state government and local councils to prioritise collaboration, intelligence gathering and joint security operations to prevent criminal elements from exploiting porous borders.
Similarly, residents of Oke-Ila and Owena communities expressed concerns that the absence of effective cooperation between the two tiers of government could undermine efforts to contain the security threat.
One resident, Akeem Olomola, lamented what he described as a trust deficit between both sides.
“The state government and local councils appear to be working separately. Security requires collaboration, not competition. The current situation is not healthy for the state,” he said.
ALGON Reaffirms Commitment
Speaking during the presentation of operational vehicles to security agencies, Osun ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Samuel Idowu, reiterated the commitment of council administrations to supporting security efforts.
He said local governments would continue investing in initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and property while promoting peace and development across the state.
“We will not relent in supporting programmes and interventions that enhance security and improve the welfare of our people,” he stated.
Government Assures Residents
Reacting to concerns over the apparent lack of synergy between the state government and local councils, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Security Matters, Samuel Ojo, assured residents that security remains a top priority for the administration.
While acknowledging political differences, Ojo maintained that the government would continue to work towards protecting lives and property across Osun State.
He, however, accused the APC-controlled local government administrations of operating independently of the state government’s security framework.
Regardless of the political disagreements, stakeholders insist that insecurity requires a collective response, warning that failure to build a united front could leave more communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.
For many residents living along Osun’s borders, the expectation is simple: politics should not stand in the way of their safety.
