Ogbomoso Traditional Council warns Baales aiding bandits, begs Tinubu for military base in Oriire

Ogbomoso Traditional Council warns Baales aiding bandits, begs Tinubu for military base in Oriire

Niyi AJALA

Traditional Council in Ogbomoso zone under the leadership of the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has issued stern warning to their colleagues suspected of aiding and abetting criminality in the zone.

The Obas and Chiefs speaking through their spokesman Professor John Akinola Akintola, the Alapa of Okin-Apa in Surulere local government area, issued this warning Tuesday after a high-level meeting at the Palace of Ogbomoso. Another outcome of the meeting was the call for a military base in Ogbomoso noting the need for this is urgent in view of the escalating banditry in the zone as it cited the one at Oloka few months ago in which several forest guards attached to the Nigerian National Park Service were killed by bandits.

While strongly condemning the killings and abductions that occurred last Friday at Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota in Oriire local government, and commiserating with the affected families they asserted that the banditry incident was despicably grievous as they urged government to deliver those in captivity to their families unharmed.

The council also urged government to adopt “a diplomatic and strategic approach in addressing the security situation,” describing the crisis as an “unconventional war that requires careful planning.”

According to the body, “Dialogue should complement the use of force in order to avoid collateral damage and safeguard innocent lives.”

Furthermore, the council admitted reports alleging that some Baales are fraternizing with external elements and bandits operating within Ogbomoso for pecuniary gains and to score cheap vendetta. It warned that “anyone found culpable will be decisively dealt with according to the law.”

In addition to that the body appealed for stronger collaboration among traditional rulers in Ogbomoso zone and for maintaining healthy relationships in order “to confront the current challenges collectively and prevent further external attacks on the zone.”

Meanwhile, the council requested the federal government to “cede portions of the forest reserve located near vulnerable communities to the state government for occupation, which will reduce the security danger it poses.” It asserted that the reserve is “too vast and has become a source of concern for neighbouring communities.”

Stressing parts of the reserve could be effectively utilized for security operations, the body called for the establishment of a military base in Oriire local government. It maintained “the growing threat of banditry in the area has made such intervention necessary.”

They thus appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to treat the matter as urgent, insisting that “Ogbomoso now requires a permanent military presence to tackle the worsening security challenges.”

According to the council, repeated attacks and displacement of residents have already affected many communities, warning that a large number of people expected to participate in future elections have been forced out of their homes due to insecurity.

The council stating security-related matters would not be discussed publicly, assured residents that efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to prevent further loss of lives in the zone.

This is as it appealed to residents “to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative.’’

Commenting on the alarm earlier today about infiltration by bandits into Ogbomoso metropolis, which led to desertion of schools, it urged that any verified information should be communicated through the Palace secretary for onward transmission to the necessary quarters.

Residents of Ogbomoso and surrounding communities were further advised to remain law-abiding and avoid taking law into their hands, noting that security agencies are available to handle complaints and suspicious activities.

The body subsequently expressed appreciation to traditional rulers providing logistics too.

It was also stated that following the directive of Oba Ghandi, a high-powered delegation was constituted to visit the victims’ families, as well as to those receiving treatment in hospitals, and individuals currently experiencing trauma as a result of the incident, saying the delegation also conveyed messages of hope and assurance, and prayed for the unconditional release of those still in captivity.

The group further appreciated the prompt response of the federal government, particularly the swift intervention of the Inspector-General of Police and the deployment of security personnel to secure the affected area following the incident.

They also placed on record the quick response of the Oyo state government and the personal involvement of Governor Seyi Makinde in addressing the situation, especially through timely dissemination of information to the public.

Among the traditional rulers in attendance are Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, Alajaawa of Ajaawa; Oba Samuel Babatunde Amao, Aale of Okelerin; Oba Ezekiel Bolarinwa Olajide I, Onisapa of Isapa; and Prof John Akintola, Alapa of Okin-Apa; Oba Olaosebikan Takuntapa I, and Onifedegbo of Fedegbo.