We are mobilising, taking action against insecurity — Soun of Ogbomoso

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, has assured residents of Ogbomosoland that concrete steps are being taken to address rising security challenges following the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and other community members in parts of the area.

The monarch gave the assurance after convening an emergency stakeholders’ security meeting at his palace on Friday. The meeting brought together traditional rulers, security experts, professionals, community representatives and indigenes of Ogbomosoland from within and outside Nigeria.

Oba Olaoye said the gathering reflected the determination of the people of Ogbomosoland to confront insecurity and ensure the safety of lives and property across the region.

One of the major resolutions reached at the meeting was the harmonisation of the Ogbomoso Consultative Council (OCC) Security Committee with the Security Committee of the Ogbomoso 25-Year Development Vision. The unified body will be chaired by the Aare Mayegun of Ogbomosoland, Rear Admiral Ajani (Rtd.).

The stakeholders also agreed to strengthen intelligence gathering, establish community communication hubs for reporting security concerns and expand collaboration with security agencies, vigilante groups, hunters and other local security structures.

Other resolutions included advocating improved telecommunications coverage in vulnerable communities, creating support systems for affected families, mobilising resources through the Ogbomosoland Security Trust Fund and intensifying public awareness campaigns on security issues.

“We are not just waiting helplessly for others to save us. We are organizing, mobilizing, contributing, planning and taking action. We are standing together as one people, determined to protect our communities and secure our future,” Oba Olaoye said.

The monarch disclosed that a high-powered delegation would soon meet with the Oyo State Government and relevant federal authorities to seek urgent intervention, while calling on all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and securing the release of those currently in captivity.