Nestled in the serene northeastern region of Osun state, Nigeria, lies the picturesque town of Iree, fondly referred to as Iree Alalubosa in the local Yoruba dialect. This charming town stands as a testament to tranquillity and peace, earning its reputation as one of the most serene places in the region.
Iree takes pride in being a significant hub within the Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Among its notable features is the esteemed Osun state Polytechnic, Iree, an esteemed institution that enriches the educational landscape of the town. Surrounded by a tapestry of neighbouring towns, including Ikirun, Iba, Eripa, Ada, Aagba, Ororuwo, and Iragbiji, Iree finds itself in the midst of a vibrant community, each town adding its unique flavour to the cultural mosaic of the region. In the heart of Iree, simplicity meets sophistication, creating an atmosphere where heritage thrives alongside progress. A town hosting seven sacred hills and hosting the students of Osun state polytechnic,Iree popularly known as OSPOLY.
As you venture through its streets, you’ll be greeted by the warm smiles of its residents and the echoes of a rich cultural heritage. Iree Alalubosa stands as a testament to the beauty of unity, where diverse communities come together in harmony, making it a compelling addition to any story capturing the essence of Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultures.
The Story Changed
Gunmen had on Thursday, August 5, 2021, unleashed chaos upon the tranquil town of Iree, Boripe Local Government Area in the State of Osun. In a brazen and audacious bank robbery, the assailants claimed the life of a valiant police constable, Jelili Aladeokin, known affectionately as “Kay.” The events of that fateful day would leave an indelible mark on this community.
It was around 3:45 pm when the tranquillity of Iree was shattered by the simultaneous attack on two prominent banks, United Bank for Africa and Access Bank, both situated around Baptist High School, Iree. The armed robbers, numbering approximately 30, descended upon the town with an onslaught of violence that left it reeling. As the armed robbers stormed the banks, they unleashed a hail of bullets and deafening gunshots that reverberated through the town. Chaos gripped the streets, sending students and bank customers into a frenzy of panic.
The once-peaceful Iree student community was thrown into disarray as fear and confusion took hold. Eyewitnesses who spoke to our reporter, Folaranmi Ajayi recounted the harrowing events of that day. Tragically, Aladeokin, or “Kay” as he was affectionately known, became the unfortunate casualty of this attack. He was the lone police constable to lose his life during the assault, a sombre testament to his bravery in the face of overwhelming adversity. The armed robbers executed their audacious operation with terrifying efficiency, spending approximately 30 minutes within the banks, where they brazenly looted substantial sums of cash.
Their escape route took a sinister turn as they seized a vehicle and sped away through Ada Road, leaving a trail of chaos and uncertainty in their wake. The events of that dark day were a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and security, even within a close-knit community like Iree.
The loss of Aladeokin, a dedicated law enforcement officer, was a grievous blow to the town. “Our hearts ached for his family and the profound sacrifice he had made in the line of duty. In the wake of this horrific incident, the community of Iree has demonstrated remarkable resilience,Elder Adewoyin told Folaranmi. They have endured the absence of functional banks in their town, navigating the challenges that come with it,” a chief of Iree told our reporter. “Our students have faced the burden of travelling to neighbouring towns to access banking services, enduring the risks and inconveniences that accompany such journeys.” According to one of the chiefs in the town who does not want name in print.
Before the robbery: Banking services flourished in Iree
Before the unfortunate robbery incident, Iree boasted a thriving banking sector. Residents and students had easy access to banking services, primarily through two banks: the United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Access Bank. The Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) outside these banks were regularly visited by residents and students alike. It wasn’t uncommon to see queues forming during both daytime and nighttime, as students and locals withdrew cash.
Additionally, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, maintained an account with UBA. This proximity was advantageous, as students could easily deposit funds and pay various fees, such as the Joint Campus Trust Fund (JICOT) fee among others.
The tragic robbery: A student account
Two years ago, I was an undergraduate at the Polytechnic, rounding off my Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication. Despite the financial and academic burdens, I was elated that the programme was coming to an end. Little did I know that the events of that fateful day would etch a vivid memory into my consciousness, one that would forever change the landscape of Iree.
On that ordinary day, I was on campus, attempting to finalise a few academic matters. The sun hung high in the sky, casting its warm embrace over the familiar grounds of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. It seemed like a regular day, no different from countless others I had spent navigating the challenges of student life. But little did I know that this day would mark a pivotal moment in the history of our peaceful town. Suddenly, a cacophony of sounds pierced the air, shattering the tranquillity that had become synonymous with Iree. Confusion gripped the campus as students and residents alike strained to decipher the source of the commotion.
It was an eerie moment, as uncertainty loomed over us like a dark cloud. As the minutes passed, our collective apprehension intensified. Smoke began to billow ominously into the sky, and the unmistakable staccato of gunshots reverberated through the air. Panic set in as chaos unfurled before our eyes. Two banks, located in close proximity to a police station, were being robbed simultaneously. It was a surreal sight – a brazen act of criminality playing out in a place where we had long taken peace and security for granted. The events that unfolded that day are etched into the annals of Iree’s history. The armed robbers, numbering about 20 and more, displayed a ruthless audacity that left us in shock.
In a meticulously orchestrated attack, they targeted not only the banks but also the police station itself, where they mercilessly cut short the life of a brave police constabulary known as Dauda Jelil, or simply Kay. His tragic demise struck a deep chord within our hearts, as we grappled with the harsh reality that even law enforcement officers were not immune to the violence that had befallen our town. Kay had decided to challenge these robbers without any back up as other officers ran away for their dear lifes.
The robbery was an audacious affront to the security infrastructure that Iree had relied upon. The presence of a police station nestled between the two banks had lulled us into a sense of safety, but the events of that day shattered our illusions. The robbers’ actions were marked by a disturbing level of coordination, as they executed their criminal plans with deadly precision. Amidst the chaos, our police officers were caught off guard. Some hastily shed their uniforms, fleeing to find refuge from the hail of bullets. It was a scene of unimaginable pandemonium, one that I will never forget.
Tragically, Kay’s death became even more heart-wrenching as we learned of his family’s recent loss. His brother, also a member of the Nigerian Army, had passed away less than a month before him, casting a pall of grief over their family. The scars of that unforgettable day run deep, and the impact on our community has been profound. Both the United Bank of Africa and Access Bank, the victims of the robbery, have undergone renovations since that ill-fated day. Yet, neither has dared to return to operational status in our town.
Students’struggles and woes
The absence of functional banks in Iree has severely impacted the students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. They have voiced their frustrations over the lack of local banking services, highlighting the difficulties they face in accessing their funds and conducting financial transactions. Students narrate the stress of travelling over 30 minutes to neighbouring towns to engage in physical banking and resolve issues. They also lament the overcrowding at banks in Osogbo, the nearest city with operational banks, which often results in long waiting times. The increase in Point of Sales (POS) charges further compounds students’ financial burdens.
Despite the inflated charges, students are forced to use POS services due to the absence of banks. This choice comes with its own set of problems, including transaction failures and debits for unsuccessful transactions.
“Today, the echoes of that tragic event linger in our hearts and minds. The absence of functional banks in Iree continues to affect us all, especially the students who once enjoyed the convenience of nearby banking services” Anuoluwapo Lebi, HND 1 Mass Communication
“However, everything changed on the fateful day of Thursday, August 5, 2021, when the peace of Iree was shattered by a brutal robbery. A gang of audacious armed robbers, numbering approximately 20, executed a well-planned attack on both the United Bank of Africa and Access Bank branches in the town. This violent attack claimed the life of a police constabulary, Dauda Jelil, known as Kay. Remarkably, the banks were situated near the Iree Divisional Police Headquarters, making the incident even more shocking”. Adeola Shobitan, alumnus Ospoly iree
“Despite the presence of a police station, the robbers managed to simultaneously raid both banks, employing a coordinated approach that left law enforcement officers retreating to save their lives. Tragically, Kay’s death took an even more heart-wrenching turn, as reports revealed that his brother, also serving in the Nigerian Army, had died less than a month before his own demise” Rofiat Eniola, ND science laboratory technology.
Traders in Iree Market share their plights
Local traders in Iree have also been severely affected by the absence of banks. They describe the cost of keeping and transferring money as an additional financial burden. They must rely on POS operators, paying fees to deposit their hard-earned money. The traders expressed a lack of trust in bank transfers, as resolving any issues requires travelling to distant bank branches.
This distrust, coupled with scams related to bank transfers, discourages traders from embracing electronic banking methods. Muheebat Ijadunola, a dedicated trader in Iree market, expressed her concerns and frustrations about the prolonged closure of a local bank due to a robbery incident that occurred two years ago. Muheebat, a vendor of raw food items and household essentials, highlighted the challenges faced by traders since the bank shut down.
According to her, the absence of accessible banking services has severely affected their daily transactions. Even when utilising point-of-sale machines, the charges are higher than usual, causing financial strain on the traders. She emphasised the need for a speedy restoration of banking services, pleading for mercy from the concerned authorities.
When asked about preventive measures, Muheebat suggested that security officers should be vigilant and proactive in preventing thieves from gaining entry into the bank. She proposed the installation of effective security systems and protocols to ensure the safety of both bank employees and customers. Additionally, she emphasised the importance of community members and traders working together with the government to enhance security measures and prevent future occurrences.She expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts but stressed the urgency of finding a solution to restore the bank’s operations promptly.
Oladipo Toluwalase Elizabeth, a student and regular user of the Point of Sale (POS) services in Ire Market, has shared her challenges following the closure of banks in the area two years ago. Oladipo, a Mass Communication student at the Osun state polytechnic, iree has expressed the stress and financial strain caused by the absence of functional banks in Iire. With the closure of the banks, residents, including students, have been compelled to rely on POS services, which often charge exorbitant fees for transactions. According to Oladipo, this situation has created financial inconvenience, making it challenging for students and other community members to manage their finances effectively. When asked about potential solutions, Oladipo suggested that renovating the existing bank or setting up additional Automated Teller Machine (ATM) stands could significantly improve the situation.
She emphasised that having accessible ATMs would not only ease the process of obtaining money but also reduce the financial burden on residents by eliminating the need for costly POS transactions. Oladipo firmly believed that reestablishing a functional banking system in Iire, coupled with the availability of ATMs, would not only alleviate the financial challenges faced by residents but also enhance the overall economic activities within the community. She stressed the importance of making banking services more affordable and accessible, especially for students who often have limited resources.
Challenges for POS Operators
POS operators in Iree have attributed the rise in charges to substantial transport costs and cash shortages. They explain that procuring cash involves travelling long distances to other towns, which necessitates higher charges to cover these expenses. Before the robbery, when banks were operational in Iree, POS charges were more reasonable due to easy access to cash from banks. “We are always travelling to Osogbo most times to get cash and it is usually very expensive considering transport and the stress,most especially now that the fare has increased,”Ganiu Saula, a POS operator said.
“Getting cash is through traders, especially market women,like you know there are no banks in neighbouring communities,” Rofiat Arisekola, another POS operator explained.
“I always have to travel down to the state capital to get cash most of the time due to the lack of banks within the student dominated community.”
Observations and recommendations
The enduring absence of banks in Iree has brought about numerous challenges for its residents. These challenges include difficulties in accessing physical banking services, higher POS charges, and a loss of trust in banking methods. Additionally, the community’s economic development is hindered, and banking illiteracy becomes a growing concern. Addressing these challenges requires an urgent response from the government and banking institutions. Residents and students of Iree deserve access to essential banking services within their community. This can help alleviate the financial burdens they currently face and promote economic growth in the region. Furthermore, security measures must be improved to prevent future criminal incidents. It is disheartening that banks were targeted even with a police station nearby, resulting in a tragic loss of life.
In conclusion, the absence of banks in Iree is a pressing issue that demands prompt attention. Restoring banking services to the community will not only enhance the residents’ quality of life but also contribute to the town’s development and prosperity. Although both UBA and Access Bank have undergone renovations since the robbery, neither has resumed operations in Iree.
