Fresh concerns have emerged over security in Osun State after the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, disclosed that more than 20 people have reportedly been killed in recent months ahead of the state’s governorship election.
Speaking during a security meeting at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, the police chief warned politicians and their supporters against turning the forthcoming election into a violent conflict, assuring residents that security agencies would ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Disu revealed that he had received extensive security briefings from the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, before holding discussions with Governor Ademola Adeleke on the deteriorating security situation.
“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,” the IGP stated, expressing concern over the rising wave of politically related violence.
The police boss also disclosed that security agencies had received several allegations involving members of different political parties. He further revealed that the Commissioner of Police informed him about claims that certain suspects were allegedly being shielded inside the Government House, describing the allegation as disturbing.
According to Disu, he immediately raised the issue with Governor Adeleke, who reportedly responded that anyone found involved in criminal activity should be arrested regardless of their relationship or political affiliation. The IGP noted that senior police officers were present during the discussion.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to a credible election, Disu warned that individuals responsible for violence or unlawful killings would face the full weight of the law. He stressed that every political party would be allowed to campaign freely and safely but insisted there would be zero tolerance for election-related violence.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace across the state and reportedly declared that he had no objection to the arrest of anyone linked to criminal activities.
The latest development comes amid heightened political tension in Osun, with the Imole Campaign Council recently demanding the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan over allegations of bias. Those allegations have not been established by any official investigation.
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