From Ora to Ijebu Jesa and Waasinmi, communities along Osun State’s borders have increasingly come under the shadow of kidnappers and armed criminals. But beyond the rising cases of abduction lies another troubling concern — the lack of synergy between the state government and local council authorities over security management, reports BOLA BAMIGBOLA
Osun State has had its fair share of violent crimes in recent times, with little breakthrough despite efforts by the state government and the management of the 30 local government areas to keep the state safe.
While it may be an overstatement to describe the state as completely unsafe, it would not be inaccurate to say Osun has become increasingly vulnerable to violent crimes, particularly kidnapping.
Sandwiched between states battling severe cases of abduction and banditry, the 35-year-old South-West state appears yet to evolve a coordinated response capable of effectively tackling the growing threat.
Osun lies inland in Nigeria’s South-West region, bordered by Oyo and Kwara states to the north, Ekiti and Ondo states to the east, and Ogun State to the south. Occupying a strategic position within the region, the state serves as a link between the western and eastern parts of the South-West.
