The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the recent wave of killings and political violence in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The directive was conveyed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, during a meeting with Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo.
Fayoade said the Inspector-General had instructed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11 and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to ensure that acts of violence, murder and other criminal activities were not tolerated anywhere in the state.
“The Inspector-General of Police has directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, and the Commissioner of Police in Osun State to ensure that violence, murder and brigandage are not tolerated,” Fayoade said.
He added that those responsible for recent attacks would be thoroughly investigated, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“All offenders must be thoroughly investigated, arrested and prosecuted. Adequate security measures are also being put in place to guarantee a peaceful and credible governorship election,” he stated.
Responding, Governor Ademola Adeleke welcomed the intervention by the police leadership, describing it as a necessary step towards restoring public confidence ahead of the election.
The governor, however, stressed that efforts to end the violence must be accompanied by the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the recent killings reported in Ikire, Ilobu and Esa-Oke.
“Ending the violence must be accompanied by the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the recent killings in Ikire, Ilobu and Esa-Oke,” Adeleke said.
He also appealed to the police to remain impartial in the discharge of their responsibilities and to ensure adequate security for residents before, during and after the governorship election.
“The police should guarantee fairness, uphold the rule of law and provide adequate security to enable residents to participate freely in the forthcoming governorship election,” the governor added.
The renewed security measures come amid heightened political activities in Osun State as parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with the police pledging to work with other security agencies to maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
