Adeleke sets up panel to probe Ikire killings

The Osun State Government on Saturday ordered a comprehensive investigation into the August 24 violence at Naira and Kobo Junction, Ikire, where several people were reportedly killed and others injured.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, through an Executive Order, has established a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry to determine what led to the shootings and killings at the Motor Park/Garage Area in Irewole Local Government Area.

The panel, headed by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ascertain the number and identities of those who died or sustained injuries and determine the immediate and underlying factors responsible for the violence.

Mr Abiodun Badiora was named Secretary of the panel, while its membership includes retired AIG Aderanti C. Kayode, mni; Mr Dele Akintayo; a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association; Comrade Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations; a representative of the Ikire community; and Dr Babatunde Afolabi, the medical and forensic representative.

Of particular interest to the inquiry is the conduct of security operatives during the incident. The panel is to establish whether firearms, live ammunition or other weapons were deployed and whether such deployment complied with existing laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.

The inquiry will also investigate the possible involvement or contribution of individuals and groups, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials and other persons whose actions or omissions may have played a role in the violence.

To facilitate its work, the panel has been granted powers to summon witnesses, obtain police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident, receive documentary and oral evidence and examine other locations considered relevant to the investigation.

The governor has also ordered that relevant evidence be preserved, including firearms and ammunition records, police station diaries, communication logs, duty rosters, incident reports, medical documents, autopsy reports, photographs and video recordings.

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The Executive Order further calls for measures to safeguard witnesses and relatives of victims against intimidation or retaliation, while the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have been asked to consider interim administrative measures where the continued operational role of any officer could affect the integrity or public perception of the inquiry.

The panel is expected to begin sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its report within 30 days of its first sitting, unless the governor approves an extension.

The government urged families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, security personnel, medical practitioners, civil society organisations, political parties and community stakeholders to provide relevant information to the panel.

Adeleke said the investigation would be transparent and impartial, assuring that anyone established by credible evidence to have committed wrongdoing would face appropriate consequences, regardless of status or affiliation.