End political killings in Osun, Lawyer begs IG

An Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, on Thursday appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu to intervene in the ongoing killings in Osun state. Olajengbesi, who expressed concerns over the incident, pleaded with the police boss to deploy his tactical force to the state and put stop to the unprovoked killings for the innocent people […]

An Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, on Thursday appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu to intervene in the ongoing killings in Osun state.

Olajengbesi, who expressed concerns over the incident, pleaded with the police boss to deploy his tactical force to the state and put stop to the unprovoked killings for the innocent people to have peace.

Daily Trust reports that at least five residents of the State, including a 14-year-old boy, have lost their lives amid political campaigns of major political parties ahead of governorship election billed to hold in August 15 in the State.

The development has generated heated controversy and debates between ruling Accord Party and the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to journalists after submitting a petition to the police boss at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Olajengbesi said the killings posed enormous threat to public safety, democratic governance and the credibility of the August governorship election.

He drew the attention of IG to the pattern of election-related violence which according to him, had resulted in the loss of innocent lives, injuries to several citizens, destruction of property and widespread fear across various communities in Osun State.

The lawyer accused the Osun State Police Command of being complacent and unconcerned in the killings despite several reports lodged to the Command and demanded the redeployment of the Police Commissioner out of the state.

Among his demands were immediate and comprehensive investigation into every incident of political violence outlined in the attached schedules.

“The identification, arrest, and prosecution of every individual found to have participated in, sponsored, financed, or facilitated acts of political violence, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

“The immediate deployment of additional tactical and conventional police personnel to identified flashpoints across Osun State. A comprehensive review of the security architecture in Osun State to guarantee peaceful elections.

“The immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, in order to restore public confidence in policing and election security.

“Appropriate directives to all police formations within Osun State to enforce the law impartially and without fear or favour throughout the electoral period,” he said.