Osun State: No fewer than 20 people have allegedly been killed in the past few months, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, disclosed on Friday during a visit to Osun State, as fears of possible violence loom large ahead of the governorship election in the state.
Speaking at a meeting at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, Disu cautioned political actors against turning the electoral process into a violent confrontation.
The police chief told residents and political stakeholders that adequate security arrangements would be put in place to guarantee a peaceful election.
He said he had discussions with Governor Ademola Adeleke during the visit and was briefed in details by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
“According to my records, over the course of a number of months, more than 20 people have been killed. “We are preparing for an election, not a war,” Disu said.
He said security agencies received several allegations and complaints involving members of different political parties in the state.
The IGP also disclosed that the commissioner of police had informed him that some suspects were being protected in the Government House, a development he described as disturbing.
“I raised the issue at my meeting with the governor and he said in clear terms that even if it is his own child that is involved in criminal activities such a person must be arrested,” Disu said, adding that senior police officers, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, were present at the meeting.
“Full weight of the law will be meted on anybody who engages in acts of violence or killings, criminal activities will not be tolerated,” the police boss warned.
“You can’t kill somebody else and think you’re going to walk around free. “That is why I came down from Abuja in person to address this matter,” he said.
Disu again emphasized that the police would ensure a secure environment for political campaigns and the election, and highlighted the importance of maintaining peaceful democratic activities.
We will make sure all parties can campaign freely and safely. But to those who are plotting violence, know that it will not be business as usual. He added: “Human life is sacred and no one has the right to take it.
Meanwhile in a video of the IGP and Governor Adeleke meeting, the governor maintained his administration was still committed to peace and stability in the state.
ADELEKE reportedly also said that he had no problem arresting any body found to be involved in criminal activities.
The development is coming on the heels of the rising political tension in the state following the calls by the Imole Campaign Council, which coordinates Adeleke’s re-election campaign, for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, over allegations of bias and partisanship.