By Our Reporter
Residents and stakeholders in Iresa-Adu, located in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, have announced plans to convene an emergency stakeholders’ meeting amid growing fears over rising insecurity and suspected bandit activities around the ancient town and its surrounding communities.
The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, is expected to bring together indigenes, youth groups, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and representatives of towns and villages under the Aresa-Adu of Iresa-Adu lands.
The development comes in the wake of increasing security concerns across the Ogbomoso zone, especially following the recent abduction of students and teachers in neighbouring Oriire Local Government Area, where one teacher was reportedly killed by kidnappers.
Residents say alarm bells have been ringing for months over the alleged movement and settlement of unidentified persons in remote parts of Iresa-Adu and adjoining villages. However, many community members believe there has been no coordinated response due to the prolonged vacancy of the Aresa-Adu stool, which has remained unoccupied for about eight years.
The situation has also reignited calls on Governor Seyi Makinde to expedite the installation of a new monarch for the ancient town, with many residents arguing that the absence of a traditional ruler has weakened local coordination and community-based security structures.
Concerns have continued to mount because both Surulere and Oriire Local Government Areas share boundaries with Kwara State, where armed bandits have reportedly terrorised rural communities in recent years, forcing many villagers to flee their homes and farmlands.
In January 2026, Iresa-Adu made headlines after suspected cattle rustlers were apprehended in a village near the town centre during an operation carried out by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
Again, in February 2026, a viral video circulating on social media allegedly showed armed suspects intercepted by security operatives in Iresa-Adu. Weapons and dangerous items, including guns, cutlasses, charms, and ammunition, were reportedly recovered from the suspects.
The incidents sparked widespread concern among residents across the five local government areas that make up the Ogbomoso zone.
Speaking on the planned meeting, the High Chief and Bara of Aresa-Adu of Iresa-Adu, said the gathering had become necessary in view of the prevailing security realities.
“The general meeting slated for Tuesday, 26th May 2026, will be a meeting of the entire communities on the territories of Aresa-Adu lands, both young and old, including community and religious leaders,” he said.
“The meeting is necessary so as to take proactive measures to prevent and dissuade criminal elements from pouring into Aresa-Adu lands.”
An elder in the community, Pa Oladipo, also stressed the need for residents to unite in defence of their communities.
“We have to find a way to protect ourselves. We live here with our children and families. We source our daily bread within our communities,” he said.
“The least we can do is to come together and assist the government on how to properly keep our towns and villages safe from both internal and external incursions.”
He added that radio announcements and other local communication channels were already being deployed to mobilise residents for the meeting.
