The Osun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for those responsible for the violent clashes that erupted across the state, leading to the deaths of at least six people. The crisis, which stemmed from a political dispute between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised tensions just days before the scheduled local government elections.
The violence broke out on Monday when sacked local government chairmen and councillors from the APC attempted to reclaim their offices following a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned their dismissal. PDP supporters resisted the move, resulting in deadly clashes, destruction of property, and widespread chaos in several local government areas.
Police Launch Investigation
The Osun State Police Command has vowed to bring those responsible to justice. In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, assured residents that investigations were already underway.
“We are not happy with what happened yesterday, and various groups have been called for a meeting,” Opalola said. “We have held a series of meetings with the Commissioner of Police to ensure that this does not happen again.”
She added that the Inspector General of Police had deployed additional mobile police officers to Osun State to restore calm.
“The event left six people dead and many others hospitalised. We express our deepest sympathy to those affected, including those who lost their lives and property. The Commissioner of Police has assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to remain calm while security agencies carry out their duties.
“Those fomenting trouble should desist from this act. This state is known for peace. We will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of our state,” she warned.
Election Will Hold as Planned, Says OSSIEC
Despite the crisis, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has insisted that the local government election scheduled for Saturday will proceed as planned. The commission dismissed reports that its office had been sealed by military personnel, describing such claims as “fake news.”
“The general public, especially the electorate, are hereby enjoined to disregard the fake news as the premises of the commission are secure and safe, as evident in the heavy presence of inter-agency security personnel,” OSSIEC Information Officer, Sadiat Isiaka, stated.
She assured residents that the election would take place as scheduled and commended security agencies for providing adequate protection for OSSIEC staff, facilities, and election materials.
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APC Mourns Slain Chieftain
Among those killed in the violence was Remi Abass, a chieftain of the APC and elected chairman of Irewole Local Government in the 2022 local government election. He was shot dead at the entrance of the Irewole Local Government secretariat in Ikire on Monday. His funeral was held on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.
The APC leadership in Osun State expressed shock over Abass’s killing. State APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, described his death as “inhuman, wicked, and callous.” He ordered all APC chairmen and councillors to stay away from their council offices until further notice in honour of their fallen colleague.
He commended the chairmen for attempting to enforce the Court of Appeal ruling but urged them to exercise caution.
Tension in Local Government Areas
Despite the upcoming election, many local government secretariats in Osun remained locked on Tuesday, with no security presence. In areas such as Olorunda Local Government in Igbona and Osogbo Local Government in Oke Baale, the council offices were shut, and residents stayed away from the premises out of fear of renewed violence.
NANS Calls for Presidential Intervention
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the crisis before it escalates further.
“The political crisis in Osun is becoming worrisome, as no fewer than six people were said to have lost their lives in clashes between APC and PDP supporters,” NANS National Headquarters Clerk, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, said in a statement.
He warned that the situation could worsen if not handled properly, comparing it to past violent conflicts in the region.
“The scars and tell-tales of the Ife-Modakeke communal clashes in the late 90s and early 2000s are still fresh in our memory,” he said.
NANS urged security agencies to take swift action to prevent further bloodshed.
“We call on the security agents to rise to the occasion, arrest the perpetrators of violence, and restore peace and order in Osun State,” Odunayo stated.
As Osun State prepares for the local government election, tensions remain high, with security forces working to prevent further clashes. Residents are hopeful that the police will restore peace and bring those responsible for the violence to justice.