NIGERIA: IGP Orders End to Political Killings in Osun Ahead of Governorship Election

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered security agencies to immediately end political killings and violence in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The directive was conveyed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, during a meeting with Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo.

Fayoade said the Inspector-General had directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11 and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to ensure that violence and criminality are not tolerated.

He said, “The IGP has instructed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to ensure that acts of violence, murder and brigandage are not tolerated.”

The Deputy Inspector-General added that all offenders must be thoroughly investigated, arrested and prosecuted, assuring residents that adequate security measures were being put in place to guarantee a peaceful and credible governorship election.

Responding, Governor Ademola Adeleke welcomed the intervention but urged the police to ensure those behind the recent killings in Ikire, Ilobu and Esa-Oke are brought to justice.

The governor also appealed to the police leadership to guarantee fairness, uphold the rule of law and provide adequate security to enable residents to participate freely in the forthcoming governorship election.