Osun: Police deny DPO’s transfer linked to Okinni shooting

The Osun State Police Command has refuted allegations that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dada Estate Division was transferred for assisting victims of a shooting incident in Okinni, insisting that the officer’s redeployment was part of a routine administrative exercise involving about 20 DPOs across the state.

The clarification came in response to allegations by the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Pastor Victor Akande, who claimed that three traditional chiefs were injured in a Saturday night shooting in Okinni and alleged that the DPO was transferred after facilitating the evacuation of the victims to hospital.

Akande alleged that the attack occurred at about 9 p.m. on Saturday and that the victims, who he described as traditional chiefs, were receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.

He further claimed that the attackers targeted individuals believed to be sympathisers of the Accord Party and arrived in vehicles bearing the AMBO campaign insignia.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, described the allegation linking the DPO’s transfer to the incident as “false, misleading and capable of creating unnecessary tension.”

According to the police, the transfer was part of a command-wide operational reshuffling aimed at improving policing efficiency, introducing fresh operational strategies and responding to emerging security challenges across Osun State.

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The Command urged members of the public to disregard any attempt to associate the redeployment of police officers with political developments or ongoing investigations.

It also expressed concern over what it described as the increasing politicisation of security matters, warning political parties, campaign organisations and their spokespersons against making unsubstantiated claims capable of eroding public confidence in security institutions or disrupting ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the Police Command confirmed that the Okinni shooting is under active investigation.

The Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive, professional and impartial investigation into the incident to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

While assuring residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Command appealed to the public to remain calm, cooperate with investigators and refrain from actions or statements capable of prejudicing the investigation.