The Osun government has approved the creation of a joint security task force to strengthen its security response after recent security alerts.

This was stated by the commissioner for information and public enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Thursday in Osogbo.

Mr Alimi said the state government is ready to provide all necessary logistics to ensure the JTF’s smooth takeoff and strengthen the protection of lives and property across the state.

The commissioner said the State Security Council decided to establish the JTF during a meeting presided over by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, with the new police commissioner, Ibrahim Zungura, in attendance.

During the meeting, Mr Adewusi lauded the steadfastness of security agencies in providing security in the state and urged them not to relent in the face of fresh security threats.

The deputy governor said Governor Ademola Adeleke was committed to further empowering the security agencies to secure the state, while calling on traditional rulers to sustain their local security oversight.

According to the statement, during its deliberations, the council also allayed residents’ fears about their security and protection, noting that Osun remained safe and secure.

The council urged residents to remain extra vigilant, particularly in churches, mosques and schools, and called on stakeholders to put additional security measures in place around their premises.

While assuring the public of their safety, the council also urged members of the public to share timely intelligence with security agencies to forestall attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits.

The police, in conjunction with other security agencies, were also directed to remain on 24-hour red alert to curtail the threats posed by the suspected bandits and terrorists.

The statement added that the meeting also resulted in an agreement among the justice ministry, the police and the State Security Service to collaborate in ensuring that criminal suspects were properly investigated and prosecuted without delay.

It was learnt that the SSS held separate meetings with the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria on September 9 in Osogbo, where religious leaders were advised to take preventive measures against possible attacks.

The development followed an intelligence report that terrorists were plotting to spread insecurity to the southern part of the country, particularly the South-West, and create tension ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

(NAN)