Oyetola condemns Osun killings, tasks police, others on security

n n

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has condemned the escalating post-election violence and loss of lives in parts of Osun State, urging the police and other security agencies to act decisively to restore order.

n

Oyetola, a former governor of the state, made the call in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, on Tuesday.

n

He described the attacks on residents as a grave assault on the peace, heritage and democratic values of the people of Osun State.

n

The minister stressed that no political ambition or commercial interest could justify the loss of human lives, urging stakeholders to reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.

n

“Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” he said.

n

Oyetola condoled with the families of those killed in the violence and charged the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to act decisively to restore order and protect residents, particularly in areas affected by the unrest.

n

He also urged the security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to volatile locations, reclaim public spaces from hoodlums and ensure that those responsible for the killings and other acts of violence were swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

n

The former governor appealed to residents across the state to prioritise peace and restraint, warning that Osun’s progress and prosperity must not be sacrificed for political or commercial interests.

n

He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, security and development of the state, urging residents to work together to preserve its reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.

n

PUNCH Online had reported that the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of aiding suspected hoodlums allegedly responsible for the violent attacks in Ikire on Monday.

n

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the Chairman of the Osun APC Media Cluster, Oluwafunsho Fagbohungbe, said the crisis began when suspected hoodlums allegedly working for the Accord Party launched a violent assault to forcefully take over a motor park.

n

However, the Osun State Accord Party Chairman, Victor Akande, while condemning the incident in a statement, accused the Divisional Police Officer of the Irewole Division, Bamidele Olatona, of orchestrating the mayhem.

n

Akande alleged that there was no crisis or conflict at the park when the DPO allegedly opened fire, accusing him of acting unprofessionally and without provocation.

n n