Rep. Adetunji Seeks Urgent Security Overhaul to Restore Banking Operations in Osun Communities
A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji, has raised alarm over the prolonged suspension of banking services in Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency of Osun State due to incessant armed robbery attacks.
While presenting a motion today during plenary presided by the Speaker of the House, RT. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, Rep. Adetunji noted that access to banking activities is a fundamental right and necessity that no Nigerian community should be denied, saying the situation is a grave threat to economic activity, citizen safety, and financial inclusion in the region.
The motion titled, “urgent need for strengthened security to restore banking operations in Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency of Osun state” was seconded by Rep. Mudashiru Lukman Alani.
The member of the house appropriations committee recalled a series of violent incidents, beginning with a devastating coordinated robbery on February 12, 2016,that targeted three commercialbanks in Ikirun, which left ten people dead. He also highlighted subsequent attacks, including a deadly assault on another commercial bank at Iragbiji on September 28, 2021, where four people were killed, as well as similar tragedies in Okuku and Iree communities.
“These violent attacks have paralyzed all banking operations in the constituency and exposed residents to serious hardship. Many now travel 30 to 50 kilometers to Osogbo for basic financial services, risking their lives and further straining their livelihoods,” the lawmaker said.
The Chairman of Nigeria-Brazil parliamentary friendship group further expressed deep concern over the constituency’s fragile security framework, saying despite a population exceeding 800,000 and covering 540 square kilometers, the area is currently policed by only six divisions, approximately 420 personnel, and one functional patrol vehicle, far from adequate to protect residents and infrastructure.
Quoting Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ right to life and security, Adetunji emphasized the government’s obligation to protect its people and facilitate socio-economic development.
Meanwhile, the Osun federal lawmaker urged the Federal Government to establish and implement a robust, long-term security architecture to curb persistent armed robbery attacks and allow for the safe reopening of banks in the constituency, while also calling on the Inspector General of Police to immediately deploy sufficient and well-equipped security personnel, supported with modern weaponry, communication tools, and operational vehicles, to restore peace and confidence in the three local government areas.
However, the house following the adoption of the motion, referred it to the Committee on national security and intelligence for further legislative action.
