Constituents Praise Hon Adetunji as Lawmaker Raises Insecurity Crisis in IBO LGAs at National Assembly
Hon Soji Adetunji, who represents Ifelodun, Boripe, and Odo-Otin (IBO) local government areas of Osun State, has brought to the attention of the National Assembly the worsening insecurity in his constituency.
During a recent plenary session, he raised concerns about the impact of the security challenges, which have resulted in the shutdown of banking operations across the affected areas.
This move has been met with widespread commendation from constituents who see it as a much-needed intervention in the face of growing insecurity that has disrupted daily life and economic activities.
While raising the issue, the lawmaker said, “Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Honorable Colleagues. I am Honorable Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji, representing the good people of Ifelodun, Boripe, and Odo Otin Federal Constituency of Osun State. I rise this afternoon to move a motion on the urgent need to strengthen security and restore banking operations in my constituency.
“Mr. Speaker, access to banking services is a fundamental driver of economic growth, financial inclusion, and citizen empowerment. Every federal constituency in Nigeria deserves at least one functional and secure banking institution.
“Sadly, all banking operations within Ifelodun, Boripe, and Odo Otin have been suspended due to persistent and violent armed robbery attacks. This has made financial transactions and commercial activity nearly impossible for both residents and businesses.
“You may recall that these attacks began on 12th February 2016, with a coordinated robbery involving three banks—Sky Bank (now Polaris), First Bank, and Union Bank—in Ikirun, which tragically led to the loss of ten lives.
“Subsequent attacks including the one on Wema Bank in Iragbiji on 28th September 2021 that left four dead, as well as similar incidents in Okuku and Iré, have only escalated insecurity and deepened the crisis.
“Mr. Speaker, are we aware that this constituency—spanning over 540 square kilometers and home to more than 800,000 people—is currently served by just six police divisions, about 420 officers, and only one functional patrol vehicle? This is grossly inadequate to meet our security demands.
“Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to life and security of the citizen, a right the government is obligated to uphold.
“I am deeply worried that the closure of banks has forced residents to travel 30 to 50 kilometers to Osogbo, the state capital, just to access financial services. This not only increases hardship but exposes them to further danger.
“Mr. Speaker, the continued absence of banks undermines economic development and worsens financial exclusion, with serious long-term implications for the livelihoods and welfare of our people.
“Therefore, I humbly pray this House to call on the federal government to urgently establish and implement a robust and sustainable security architecture to end the wave of armed robbery attacks and enable the safe reopening of banks in Odo Otin, Ifelodun, and Boripe Federal Constituency. I also urge the Inspector General of Police to act swiftly on this matter.”
Praising the lawmaker, a constituent stated, “Kudos to Hon. Soji for addressing the issue of insecurity affecting our constituency on the floor of the National Assembly, which has also led to the closure of banks across the area. This is commendable, but as Oliver Twist, we will keep asking for more of such proactive engagements.”
Another constituentmember, Habeebullahi Olawuyi, said, “Kudos to Hon. Soji for addressing the issue of insecurity affecting our constituency on the floor of the National Assembly, which has also led to the closure of banks across the area. This is commendable, but as Oliver Twist, we will keep asking for more of such proactive engagements.”
Residents of the IBO constituencies are hopeful that this bold move by their representative will attract the urgent attention of relevant authorities and lead to lasting solutions to the insecurity crisis.
