Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on residents to heighten security awareness and immediately report suspicious persons or movements to the relevant security agencies.
The governor’s warning followed an alert from the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged plans by terrorists to attack places of worship in parts of the state.
Adeleke, in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, urged residents to pay particular attention to unusual activities and the movement of unfamiliar persons, especially in communities located along the state’s borders.
The governor said timely intelligence from residents could help security agencies detect and prevent potential threats before they escalate.
“We must provide the police and other security agencies with intelligence reports, with noticeable threats, in our communities.
“As we are aware of alleged plots to attack our places of worship, we must become extra vigilant. Report anything unusual without any delay,” Adeleke said.
He commended the DSS for what he described as proactive steps in raising the alarm over the reported threat, while directing other security agencies to review the situation and strengthen measures for the protection of lives and property across the state.
Adeleke also announced plans to convene a meeting of the Osun State Security Council to assess the emerging security concerns and review the effectiveness of existing response mechanisms.
The governor stressed the importance of cooperation between communities and security authorities, saying residents had a critical role to play by sharing credible information.
“As residents of this state, we must collaborate with the security agencies through information sharing. Cooperation between communities and security authorities,” he said.
Beyond reporting suspicious activities, Adeleke urged residents to exercise caution when accommodating unfamiliar people in their communities.
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He also called on traditional rulers across the state to convene meetings of their traditional councils to discuss the security alert and determine appropriate steps to safeguard their communities.
“We must nip in the bud the evil plans of enemies of public peace,” the governor said.
Adeleke further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and sustaining post-election peace-building efforts in Osun.
He said the state would tighten its security measures to prevent terrorists and bandits from undermining peace and threatening the safety of residents.