- Ogunsanwo said recent incidents of kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the region underscore the urgent need for collective action
- According to him, such unverified claims often escalate fear and can trigger unnecessary tension among residents
- He reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions to support government and security agencies in restoring peace
The Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), has called for stronger community-driven security measures across Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), warning that the rising wave of insecurity, coupled with the spread of fake news and misinformation, is worsening fear and tension in local communities.
Eko Hot Blog exclusively report that the monarch made the call on Thursday while presiding over an emergency security stakeholders’ meeting held at his palace in Ilara-Epe.
EDITOR’S PICK
- APM Endorses Makinde For 2027 Presidency, Targets PDP Members In Osun
- Eredo Monarchs Suspend Ojude Oba Celebrations in Honour of Late Omola of Odomola
- “Do Not Cheat Back”—Actress Eriata Ese Warns Women Against Revenge Infidelity
The gathering brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, government officials, youth groups, transport unions, market leaders, religious bodies and other community stakeholders to deliberate on emerging security threats and practical responses.
Oba Ogunsanwo said recent incidents of kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the region underscore the urgent need for collective action, stressing that security cannot be left in the hands of security agencies alone.
He expressed concern over the use of forests, isolated routes and poorly monitored border areas as operational bases by criminal elements, noting that the terrain provides cover for attackers and complicates rapid response efforts by security operatives.
The monarch further warned that internal collaborators and informants within communities play a major role in enabling criminal activities, saying that some attackers rely on local intelligence to plan and execute operations. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements promptly to security agencies.
Oba Ogunsanwo also highlighted the growing threat of misinformation, describing fake news circulating on social media and within communities as a serious danger to public peace.
He cited a recent situation where false reports of a major violent incident spread rapidly, creating panic, only for later investigations to reveal that the information was inaccurate.
According to him, such unverified claims often escalate fear and can trigger unnecessary tension among residents.
“We must learn to verify information before spreading it. Rumours and false information can create unnecessary fear and tension in our communities,” the monarch warned.
He cautioned against jungle justice, stressing that anyone suspected of wrongdoing must be handed over to the appropriate security authorities for proper investigation and prosecution.
“When you suspect anyone, arrest if necessary and hand such a person over to the appropriate authorities. Do not take the law into your own hands,” he said.
The Alara also emphasized the importance of coordinated intelligence gathering, calling for stronger collaboration between community vigilante groups and formal security agencies such as the police, civil defence corps and military formations operating in the area.
He noted that Eredo LCDA’s proximity to major transport routes and forest belts makes it particularly vulnerable to infiltration by criminal groups, adding that such factors require sustained surveillance and inter-agency cooperation.
Oba Ogunsanwo urged stakeholders to remain calm but alert, warning that panic and unverified information could undermine ongoing security efforts.
He reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions to support government and security agencies in restoring peace and stability across the region.
FURTHER READING
