By Our Correspondent, June 26, 2026.
The Inspector-General of Police, , has ordered an immediate end to political killings and violence in Osun State, as security authorities intensify efforts to restore peace ahead of the state's forthcoming elections.
The directive was conveyed on Thursday by , the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, during a closed-door meeting with at the Government House, Osogbo.
Fayoade, who was accompanied by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 11, the Osun State Commissioner of Police and other senior officers, said he was deployed to the state by the IGP to investigate recent incidents of violence and implement measures to curb further unrest.
According to him, the IGP has directed security operatives to ensure that political violence and criminal activities do not recur in the state.
“The Commissioner of Police and his men have been instructed that never again should any act of brigandage take place in this state. The IG has directed the AIG and the CP to take charge and ensure that this act of violence, that is already giving the population apprehension and fear, is not allowed to occur again,” Fayoade said.
He further stated that all cases of murder, brigandage and other unlawful acts would be thoroughly investigated, warning that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted.
The DIG assured residents that the forthcoming elections in Osun State would be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, noting that recent elections in Anambra and Ekiti states were held without major security breaches.
“We are not going to allow anybody to violate the law of the land and cause any havoc or uneasiness in the state. We have restrategized and deployed measures to tackle these security challenges,” he said.
Fayoade added that he had also met with the to reassure traditional authorities that security agencies were committed to preventing criminals, bandits and political thugs from destabilising the state.
He noted that while Osun had enjoyed relative peace until recently, signs of rising political tension and gangsterism had emerged as the election season approaches.
“The IG specifically asked me to come and inform the governor that we are not oblivious of what is happening and that we are determined to put a stop to it,” he added.
Responding, Governor Adeleke welcomed the intervention but insisted that ending violence must be accompanied by the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for killings and attacks across the state.
The governor alleged that some police officers were collaborating with political thugs, a development he said had contributed to the worsening security situation.
According to Adeleke, three recent political killings in Ikire, Ilobu and Esa-Oke remain unresolved, with no arrests made despite widespread knowledge of the suspects.
“You are in this state at a time negligence and partisanship of some of your officers have worsened political violence in the state. Some policemen are openly known to be collaborating with political thugs to unleash violence on our people,” the governor said.
He further accused the Osun State Police Command of selective enforcement of the law, alleging that opposition political actors had been targeted while suspects linked to violent attacks and murders remained at large.
The governor expressed confidence in President and the IGP to ensure justice and fairness but called for impartial policing and a reorganisation of the state police command.
Adeleke maintained that the current Commissioner of Police had lost public confidence and should be redeployed to guarantee neutrality ahead of the elections.
“We are not asking for any favour other than fair protection of lives and properties. Osun people want free and fair polls. We need the reshuffling of the state police command to secure impartial policing,” he said.
The governor urged the police leadership to act decisively on the reported killings and restore public confidence in law enforcement, stressing that Osun residents deserve a peaceful environment in which to exercise their democratic rights.
The meeting comes amid growing concerns over political tensions and security challenges in Osun State as preparations intensify for the next electoral cycle.
Comments
Post a Comment