AIG Ewah Urges Vigilance Against Kidnapping, Banditry in Osun Communities

Oriontimes News Desk | October 21, 2026

The Zone 11 Police chief has called on traditional rulers’ representatives and Hausa community leaders in Ifewara, Ibodi and Iwoye-Ijesa to strengthen intelligence sharing and help prevent criminal infiltration.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, Bassey S. Ewah, has urged community leaders and residents of Osun State to remain vigilant against kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.

Ewah made the call on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during a strategic meeting with representatives of traditional rulers and Hausa community leaders, including Serikis, from Ifewara, Ibodi and Iwoye-Ijesa in Osun State.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, the engagement was aimed at strengthening police-community relations and preventing criminal elements from infiltrating communities across the state.

The AIG emphasised the importance of timely intelligence sharing, credible information and sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders in identifying and addressing potential security threats.

He also expressed concern about the difficulty of establishing the identities and backgrounds of some residents, noting that such challenges could create security vulnerabilities if not properly addressed.

Ewah cited recent security incidents, including the abduction of teachers in Orire Local Government Area of neighbouring Oyo State, as a reminder of the need for proactive security measures to prevent similar incidents in other communities.

He urged community leaders to maintain close communication with police formations in their respective areas and promptly report suspicious movements and activities.

The police chief further assured the representatives that the identities of informants would be treated with the utmost confidentiality and protected in accordance with established procedures.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to remaining accessible and responsive to residents' security concerns, stressing that the protection of lives and property requires collective responsibility.

Community Leaders Pledge Cooperation

Those in attendance included Chief Adubi Idowu and Chief Adejoro Adewale, representing Iwoye-Ijesa.

Representatives of the Hausa communities in Ibodi and Ifewara included Alhaji Haruna Tanko, Alhaji Abdullahi Waliyi, Alhaji Abubakar Sahabi, Alhaji Mubarak Ayuba, Alhaji Abdul Rosheed Usman and Alhaji Zayaruwa Saraki.

In their separate remarks, the representatives expressed appreciation for the reception accorded them by the AIG and welcomed him to Zone 11.

They commended the initiative to engage community leaders on security matters and pledged to cooperate with the police through intelligence gathering, the promotion of peaceful coexistence and the encouragement of residents to report credible security information.

Ewah reiterated his appeal to residents of Osun and Oyo states to remain alert and work with security agencies to safeguard their communities.

He maintained that effective collaboration between the police and local communities remains essential to identifying potential threats and preventing criminal activities before they escalate.

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