Osun: Oyetola calls for tough security response to post-election violence

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has condemned the rising wave of post-election violence in parts of Osun, describing the reported loss of lives as a disturbing threat to peace and democratic values.

Oyetola, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, on Tuesday in Osogbo, said the attacks had inflicted grave damage on the peace and stability of the state.

He maintained that no political ambition, local interest or commercial consideration could justify the killing of citizens, urging political actors and other stakeholders to pursue dialogue rather than violence in resolving disagreements.

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“Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” the minister said.

Oyetola expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the violence, while calling on the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to take firm and immediate steps to restore order and protect residents.

He urged the security agencies to strengthen their presence in flashpoints, reclaim public spaces reportedly taken over by hoodlums, and ensure that perpetrators of killings and other violent acts were arrested and prosecuted.

The minister also appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise restraint, stressing that the development and prosperity of Osun should not be jeopardised by political or commercial interests.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, security and development of the state, urging residents to collectively preserve Osun’s reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has confirmed the death of two civilians and serious injuries sustained by two police officers during an attack by suspected political thugs in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, saying the incident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Monday along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

According to him, a police patrol team from the Ikire Division, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer, was responding to a distress call concerning the alleged abduction of a man identified only as Sunkanmi when the officers came under attack.

Ojelabi said the assailants, who were reportedly armed, opened fire on the police team while the officers were inside their operational vehicle and succeeded in taking away an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police.

He said the attackers subsequently used the stolen rifle to shoot indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of two civilians.

The police spokesperson said efforts were already underway to recover the stolen firearm and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

He assured residents that the command would continue to work to restore normalcy and bring the perpetrators to justice.