Adeleke Alerts on Bandit Influx into Osun Mining Areas

On Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State expressed alarm over the unregulated influx of individuals from northern states, particularly Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi, into the state's mining communities. He warned that this movement poses a significant security threat, potentially destabilizing the region.

During a stakeholders' conference focused on mining security in Osogbo, Adeleke announced the creation of a mine community intelligence architecture aimed at strengthening surveillance and intelligence gathering across these communities. He emphasized the need for collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to monitor activities in the mining sector.

Adeleke highlighted credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of suspected bandit elements in the Ibodi Forest and along the Ilesa corridor, including individuals carrying fake identification. He urged community leaders to help profile residents and ensure that only legitimate workers are present in the mining areas, reinforcing that Osun State will not harbor bandits or fund terrorism.