Owo leaders unite at security summit, demand end to violence

Femi Fabunmi 

In a decisive move to address the growing wave of insecurity across Owo and its surrounding communities, the Owo Local Government on Monday, May 26, 2025, held a security summit aimed at finding lasting solutions to the challenges of kidnapping, killings, and other violent crimes in the area.

The summit, which took place at Achievers University, Owo, was convened under the leadership of the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo. It attracted top government functionaries, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders from various sectors of society.

The Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, mni, were represented by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Security, Chief Olubenga Atiba.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and paramount ruler of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III, led a host of traditional rulers to the summit. Among them were the Ojomo Oluda of Ijebu-Owo, the Oliyere of Iyere, the Oloba of Uso, the Olupenmen of Upenmen, the Alale of Udashen, the Olose of Ose, the Olupele of Ipele (represented by his chiefs), and the Asuada of Isuada (represented by Chief Usokia).

Security agencies were fully represented by officers from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Amotekun Corps, and members of the Hunters’ Association. Also present were political leaders, youth representatives, religious leaders, business stakeholders, and heads of unions and institutions.

The summit offered an in-depth analysis of the major causes of insecurity in the area. Among the key issues identified were the high rate of unemployment, Owo’s position as a transit corridor between the North-Central and South-South zones of Nigeria, weak enforcement of laws against criminal elements, rivalry among security agencies, breakdown of family and moral structures, influx of unprofiled migrants, the presence of vast unmonitored forests, and the complacency of citizens.

After thorough deliberation, participants resolved that a dedicated and well-funded security task force should be established to confront criminal elements. It was also agreed that the government must intensify efforts to address unemployment, while traditional rulers were urged to stop the indiscriminate sale of land to undocumented individuals. Stronger collaboration between government and royal institutions was recommended, alongside improved synergy and intelligence sharing among security outfits.

The summit further called for the deployment of modern surveillance technologies such as drones and cameras, and the empowerment of local security actors including vigilantes and hunters. Emphasis was placed on the need to tackle social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and hooliganism. Delegates also encouraged communities to embrace practical, traditional methods in supporting formal security systems.

The event concluded with a commitment to continued dialogue and multi-dimensional approaches to ensuring peace and safety in Owo Local Government Area. The communiqué was jointly signed by Mr. Olatunbosun Oladimeji, Public Relations Officer of the Owo Security Summit Planning Committee, and Pastor Gbenga Olumolawa, Chairman of the Planning Committee.