OSOGBO – The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has raised serious concerns over escalating political violence in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, revealing that more than 20 people have reportedly been killed in recent months.
Speaking on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, Disu warned political actors against turning the election into a violent contest, stressing that security agencies would not tolerate any form of electoral violence.
“If my records are accurate, over 20 people have been killed within a number of months. We are preparing for an election, not a war,” the IGP said.
Disu disclosed that he had received comprehensive security briefings from the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, and also met with Governor Ademola Adeleke to discuss the security situation ahead of the poll.
The police chief revealed that security agencies had received several complaints and intelligence reports involving members of different political parties. He further alleged that the Commissioner of Police informed him that some criminal suspects were reportedly being shielded inside the Government House.
According to the IGP, he raised the allegation directly with Governor Adeleke, who assured him that no individual would receive protection from the law.
“I discussed the matter with the governor, and he made it clear that even if his own child was involved in criminal activity, such a person should be arrested,” Disu stated, adding that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and other senior officers witnessed the conversation.
Disu vowed that anyone found responsible for killings or acts of violence would be prosecuted, emphasizing that impunity would no longer be tolerated.
“Nobody can take another person’s life and expect to move around freely. That is why I came down from Abuja personally to address this issue,” he said.
He assured residents and political stakeholders that the Nigeria Police Force would provide adequate security to ensure peaceful campaigns and a credible governorship election.
“We will ensure that all political parties campaign freely and safely. Those planning violence should understand that it will not be business as usual. Human life is sacred, and no one has the right to take it,” he added.
In a video of the meeting, Governor Ademola Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Osun State. The governor also declared that he had no objection to the arrest of anyone found to have committed criminal offences, regardless of their status.
The IGP’s visit comes amid heightened political tension in the state, following calls by the Imole Campaign Council, the body coordinating Governor Adeleke’s re-election campaign, for the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan over allegations of bias and partisanship.
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