Gov Adeleke Tackles Banditry in Mining Sector, Sets Up Mining Community Intelligence Architecture
Governor Ademola Adeleke convenes a stakeholders' conference on mining sector security, citing credible intelligence of suspected bandit elements around Ibodi forests and the Ilesa corridor, and announces a new mining community intelligence architecture requiring every major mining community to constitute a 7-man Community Security Committee within 14 days.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has taken bold steps to tackle increasing security challenges within the Osun mining sector, convening a stakeholders' conference involving security chiefs, traditional rulers, mining firms, environmental activists and community actors to develop a security architecture and curtail the inflow of suspected bandits.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Mr Samuel Ojo Esq., the governor stated that the peace and security of Osun State — particularly the Ife-Ijesa axis — is under threat and immediate action is required.
"The government is concerned about the sudden and unregulated influx of persons from states like Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi into our mining communities. While we do not discriminate against Nigerians seeking legitimate work, intelligence shows that this movement is not just about mining. Some of these elements are bringing with them the same criminal templates that have destroyed communities in the North West: armed camps, illegal taxation, recruitment of youths, and creation of parallel authority. If we do not act now, the peace Osun is known for will be sacrificed on the altar of gold," the governor stated.
The governor disclosed credible security threats about the presence of suspected bandit elements around Ibodi forests and the movement of suspicious armed persons around the Ilesa corridor, and raised alarm over foreign nationals infiltrating communities with fake IDs and false identities.
"Community leaders, you must help us profile everyone. If you did not birth him, if you did not invite him, and you cannot vouch for him, then he does not belong in your community," the governor charged.
Governor Adeleke announced the establishment of a mining community intelligence architecture for the Ife-Ijesa axis — running from mining site community security committees through traditional rulers to the DPO and the state security council — and directed that within 14 days, every major mining community must constitute a 7-man Community Security Committee.
"I charge all stakeholders to give maximum cooperation to the Military Police, DSS, NSCDC, and Amotekun. Open your sites for patrols. Share information early. Do not shield criminals because they are bringing money," the governor stated. "Osun State will not be a hiding place for bandits. Our gold will not be used to fund terrorism. Let us build this intelligence architecture together."
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed — Spokesperson to the State Governor