Steer clear of Oluyole LG – Council boss warns intruders as joint security comb forest

Oluyole Local Government has warned intruders against any attempt to hide anywhere in the area to perpetrate crime insisting that such group or individuals would have themselves to blame.

This was as the executive chairman of the Council, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, cautioned residents and travellers to avoid forested and isolated areas within the council area as security operatives intensify ongoing operations to flush out criminal elements hiding in the forest.

The warning followed renewed coordinated security operations across parts of Oluyole Local Government, particularly the border area between Oyo and Ogun state, after the recent abduction of officials of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).

Olatunji, who addressed the joint security team and residents after a high-level security meeting with heads of security agencies and local stakeholders, said the local government would not relent until the area is completely rid of criminal elements terrorising residents and commuters.

According to him, joint security teams comprising operatives of the police, Amotekun Corps, Civil Defence, local vigilantes and hunters have continued combing forests and difficult terrains within the council in a sustained security efforts.

He stressed that the security situation was being closely monitored, adding that intelligence gathering and coordinated patrols had already been intensified in vulnerable communities.

The council chairman appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

“We are doing everything possible to support the security agencies in restoring confidence and ensuring the safety of our people.

“Residents must avoid isolated routes, bushes and forest areas for now while the operations continue,” he said.

Olatunji also cautioned against spreading unverified information capable of creating panic among residents, noting that security agencies were already making significant progress in the ongoing operation.

He disclosed that operatives have expanded search operations into adjoining forest corridors believed to be used as hideouts by criminal gangs.

He added that surveillance activities had been strengthened around major entry and exit points linking Ibadan to neighbouring Ogun state along Ijebu Ode axis in order to prevent illegal trans border movement

Earlier at the emergency security meeting held in the local government area held at the Council secretariat in Idi-Ayunre, stakeholders reviewed the rising concerns over isolated criminal attacks and mapped out new strategies aimed at improving rapid response and intelligence sharing among agencies.