Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has summoned heads of security agencies in the state for a security meeting following recent breaches, including a series of killings allegedly linked to rival cult groups.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Samuel Ojo, disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH, saying the meeting would be held on Wednesday.
According to Ojo, the meeting will focus on the recent killings allegedly carried out by suspected cult members, as well as measures to strengthen security across the state.
He said the government would also examine ways to make forests in Osun safer and prevent criminal elements from using them as hideouts.
Ojo said the recent killing of an alleged ISWAP leader in Owo, Ondo State, had provided a lesson for criminals operating from forested areas.
“We are holding a security meeting on Wednesday, by the special grace of God, to reassure our people and put our security agencies on their toes.”
He added, “What happened in Ondo is a lesson to those criminals hibernating in the forests. We will not take it lightly with anyone using the forest as a hideout.”
The governor’s aide said the meeting would also address what he described as incessant killings by rival cult groups in recent weeks.
“We need to meet and discuss how to stop these killings by cult groups or any other violent crimes hiding under that canopy.”
Ojo also warned those involved in violent crimes to stop their activities, saying the government was concerned about the effect of the incidents on the image and reputation of Osun State.
“We need to stop it, so as not to give our state a bad name, because nobody knows what they are fighting for or why they are killing themselves.”
The PUNCH reported that two separate attacks involving suspected rival cult groups in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, between Friday and Sunday left two people dead and about five others injured.
Following the latest attack, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, ordered tactical teams to conduct raids on suspected criminal hideouts in Osogbo.
The planned meeting between the governor and security chiefs is expected to focus on strengthening the security response to cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
