Osun poll: Over 20 killed in recent months, IGP warns politicians against violence

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, on Friday disclosed that no fewer than 20 people have allegedly been killed in Osun State in the past few months amid growing concerns over violence ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Disu made the disclosure during a meeting at the headquarters of the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo, where he warned political actors against turning the election into a violent confrontation.

The IGP assured residents and political stakeholders that adequate security measures would be put in place to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election.

According to him, he received detailed security briefings from the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, and also met with Governor Ademola Adeleke during his visit.

“If my records are accurate, over 20 people have been killed within a number of months. We are preparing for an election, not a war,” Disu said.

He stated that security agencies had received several complaints and allegations involving members of different political parties in the state.

The police chief further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police informed him that some suspects were allegedly being shielded inside the Government House, describing the allegation as disturbing.

“I raised the issue during my meeting with the governor, and he responded clearly that even if his own child was involved in criminal activity, such a person should be arrested,” Disu said, adding that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone and other senior officers witnessed the discussion.

He warned that anyone involved in violence or killings would face the full weight of the law.

“Nobody can take another person’s life and expect to move around freely. That is why I came down from Abuja personally to address this issue,” he said.

Disu reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to providing adequate security for political campaigns and the election, stressing that all parties would be allowed to campaign freely.

“We will ensure that all parties campaign freely and safely. But those planning violence should know that it will not be business as usual. Human life is sacred, and no one has the right to take it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and stability in the state during his meeting with the IGP.

The governor also reportedly declared that he had no objection to the arrest of any individual found to be involved in criminal activities.

The IGP’s visit comes amid heightened political tension in the state, following calls by the Imole Campaign Council, which coordinates Adeleke’s re-election campaign, for the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan over allegations of bias and partisanship.