By Remi Adebayo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has identified strategic establishment of military barracks and forward operating bases within or near local communities as vital infrastructure necessary for deterrence, rapid response, and integration of local economy.
Oba Owoade also stated that embedding military infrastructure in volatile or frontline areas changes the security posture from reactive responses to preventive protection, deterring banditry and other criminal sanctuaries.
In a release on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin stated this on Wednesday while receiving a project inspection team from the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Recall that some pupils and teachers from Yawota, Ahoro Esi-ele Oyo, and Alawusa communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State were abducted by bandits on May 15, 2026.
The statement noted that the affected communities were dominated by indigenes of Oyo extraction.
Following the intervention by combined team of the military and the police, the abducted victims were rescued on July 10, few days to spending two months in their abductors' den.
Consequently, there had been repeated calls by the Alaafin and other relevant stakeholders for the establishment of a military base as existential urgency to counter insurgency in the area.
The Federal Government eventually acceded to these calls by approving the establishment of a military base at Ote - Efon community in the Atiba local government area, with close proximity to Orire communities and Iseyin town.
In line with the approval, the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, constituted a Project Monitoring team led by Dr. Jude Alorio, as the Project Director.
According to Durojaiye, the Project team, accompanied by the local committee on Wednesday, inspected the large expanse of land donated for the construction of the military base at Ote-Efon community.
Addressing the team, the paramount ruler identified strategic siting of military barracks in hotbeds of insurgency as one strategy often underutilised but profoundly effective amid various counterinsurgency efforts.
"This could be the surgical intervention that the country desperately needs, not only to suppress threats, but to reassure and rebuild confidence among the citizenry in the power and presence of the Nigerian state.
"Military barracks are not just buildings; they are symbols of state authority, operational readiness, and psychological assurance. The physical presence of trained armed forces deters any act of insurgency, disrupts criminal sanctuaries, and introduces a permanent security infrastructure that cannot be easily overwhelmed or withdrawn like a special task force.
"When barracks are located far from conflict zones, deployment is reactionary security operatives arrive after the damage has been done. But when military infrastructure is embedded in the heart of volatile zones, the state becomes both proactive and preventative. Barracks serve as launchpads for swift response operations, intelligence gathering, and community-military partner," the foremost traditional ruler noted.
Oba Owoade further pointed out that military installations stimulate commerce by creating jobs, increasing demand for housing and transport services, and fostering localised markets, just as host communities often benefit from spillover investments.
These, the Alaafin said include improved access roads, healthcare access, power supply, and water projects linked to military garrisons.
He further stated that integrated bases facilitate joint intelligence gathering, community-oriented welfare outreaches, and structured dialogue between security forces and civilian leadership.
Alaafin therefore lauded President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Defence for approving the establishment of a military base at Ote-Efon, stressing it would further strengthen security, improve rapid response to threats, protect communities, and enhance the safety of lives and property across the affected local government areas.
Earlier, Dr. Alorio expressed delight at what he referred to as the "seriousness and commitment" of the local committee in working together with the monitoring team in achieving its aims and objectives.
"I must say that we are indeed grateful for the support and cooperation. The place is beautiful and General Officer Commanding the 2nd Mechanised Division is delighted about it and very much interested," Alorio said.
While expressing the monitoring team's grattitude for the warm reception accorded them, Alorio requested for surveying of the acquired land to facilitate timely construction of the project.
In the same vein, Archbishop Emeritus Lawrence Ayoade Ladigbolu, described the visit as memorable, "the day the Federal Government decides that the people of Oyo matters, deserves attention. A day that the people's hope is being rekindled.
"A day that respite is coming the way of the people for protection against banditry and other criminal onslaughts. The good people of Oyo gladly appreciate these, and are sincerely grateful to the Federal Government".
Highlights of the event included presentation of letter of authorisation, and documents on the landed property by the Alaafin to Alorio as the leader of the team.
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