Adeleke Urges IGP Egbetokun to Reopen Amotekun Offices in Osun
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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to order the immediate unsealing of the offices of the Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, to allow the outfit resume full operations amid growing security challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said the continued shutdown of Amotekun offices has significantly weakened the state’s security framework, leaving rural and border communities increasingly vulnerable to criminal activities.
Adeleke expressed concern over the rising cases of banditry and kidnapping in neighbouring Kwara State, warning that the situation poses a direct threat to Osun, particularly communities located along interstate borders. He noted that Amotekun plays a critical role in intelligence gathering, community policing, and rapid response in areas that conventional security agencies may find difficult to access.
According to the governor, sealing the Amotekun offices has disrupted coordination between the outfit and other security agencies, thereby creating security gaps that criminals could exploit. He stressed that the regional security outfit was established by law and operates within the constitutional framework to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other federal agencies.
The governor urged the police authorities to prioritise the safety of lives and property over administrative disagreements, emphasizing that the reopening of Amotekun offices would strengthen collaborative security efforts and enhance public confidence.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with federal security agencies to maintain peace and stability in Osun State. He also called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to support lawful security initiatives aimed at safeguarding their communities.
The governor expressed hope that the IGP would consider the appeal in the interest of national security and the protection of vulnerable communities in the state.
