Oyo State House of Assembly has advocated the establishment of a Special Joint Security Taskforce (JTF) to combat rising insecurity in the Oke-Ogun axis and other vulnerable parts of the state.

The Taskforce, as advocated by the lawmakers, should comprise specially trained personnel from both mainstream and non-mainstream security agencies alongside local vigilantes with vast knowledge of deep forest terrains.

The resolution was reached after the House considered a Matter of Urgent Public Importance jointly sponsored by the Minority Leader and member representing Irepo/Olorunsogo State Constituency, Hon. Waliu Salami, and the member representing Oorelope State Constituency, Hon. Luqman Jimoh, during the plenary on Wednesday.

The lawmakers in their separate submissions expressed concern over the rising security situation in parts of Oke-Ogun, particularly along the Kishi-Igbeti and Igboho-Igbeti roads, where suspected bandits recently launched deadly attacks on commuters.

The recurring security breaches, as made known by the lawmakers, have reinforced the need for urgent review and strengthening of the state’s security architecture through collaborative efforts involving government, security agencies, community leaders, and residents.

The House noted that within three plenary sittings held between June 3 and June 9, several security-related motions were debated, describing the trend as a reflection of growing concerns over safety across the state.

Members recalled the June 12 attack on the Kishi-Igbeti Road, during which armed bandits reportedly ambushed travellers, killing Mr. Moshood Kayode, a staff member of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), while several others sustained injuries and were hospitalised.

The lawmakers further noted that less than 24 hours later, another attack occurred along the Igboho-Igbeti Road, leaving several victims injured and heightening fears among residents, farmers, traders, commuters, and potential investors in the area.

They also drew attention to the increasing activities of criminal elements operating within forest corridors surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, an area that has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping, killings, and other violent crimes.

While commending the efforts of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes and hunters, the House maintained that more proactive and coordinated measures were required to curb the escalating threats.

The lawmakers also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued support for security agencies through the provision of patrol vehicles, communication gadgets, and other logistics aimed at improving security across the state.

As part of its resolutions, the Assembly urged Governor Makinde to provide additional funding and logistical support to local governments located within the volatile Old Oyo National Park corridor, particularly Irepo, Olorunsogo and Oorelope Local Government Areas, to enhance the operations of Amotekun, vigilante groups and hunters.

The House further called on the governor to direct the Executive Assistant on Security to facilitate the establishment of additional security checkpoints, increase patrols, and deploy more security personnel to the Kishi-Igbeti and Igboho-Igbeti roads as well as other identified flashpoints across Oke-Ogun.

Lawmakers also urged relevant government agencies, in collaboration with affected local governments, to clear overgrown vegetation along major roads, including the Kishi-Igbeti and Igboho-Kishi routes, to improve visibility and reduce opportunities for criminal ambushes.

The Assembly appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to continue supporting security agencies through intelligence sharing and community-based initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and security.

To ensure implementation of its resolutions, the House directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to undertake an oversight visit to the affected roads and other security flashpoints in Oke-Ogun and Oriire Local Government Area.

The committee was also mandated to work with the Committees on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours, as well as Environment, Water Resources and Ecology, to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps and the affected local government councils.

Speaking during deliberations, the Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Strategy, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, advocated the creation of a Special Joint Security Taskforce dedicated to securing the Old Oyo National Park and adjoining communities.

According to him, the proposed task force should comprise personnel drawn from the Forest Agro Rangers, Amotekun Corps, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Police, noting that the national park falls under the control of the Federal Government and requires a coordinated security response.

Also contributing, Hon. Babalola Abiodun, representing Ibadan North-East I State Constituency, stressed the need for additional measures to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

He commended Governor Makinde for his relentless efforts towards securing the release of teachers and pupils recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area and urged the House Committee on Security and Strategy to explore practical frameworks for the proposed taskforce, including operational guidelines, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

Abiodun further urged the committee to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to assess ongoing rescue efforts and determine areas where the proposed intervention could effectively complement existing security arrangements. (Nigerian Tribune)