As fears of possible violence loom large ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Friday visited the state and disclosed that no fewer than 20 people had allegedly lost their lives within the past few months.
Disu spoke at a meeting at the headquarters of the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo, warning political actors not to turn the electoral process into a violent confrontation.
The police chief told residents and political stakeholders that adequate security arrangements would be put in place to guarantee a peaceful election.
He said he had discussions with Governor Ademola Adeleke during the visit and was briefed in details by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
“If my records are correct, over the course of a number of months, more than 20 people have been killed. “We are getting ready for an election, not a war,” Disu said.
He said security agencies had received several allegations and complaints involving members of various political parties in the state.
The IGP also disclosed that the commissioner of police had told him that some suspects were being protected inside the Government House, a development he described as disturbing.
“I raised the matter during my meeting with the governor and he replied unequivocally that even if his own child is involved in criminal activity, such a person should be arrested,” Disu said, adding that senior police officers, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of the zone, were present during the discussion.
“Anyone who engages in acts of violence or killings would face the full weight of the law, criminal activities would no longer be tolerated,” the police boss warned.
“You cannot kill someone else and expect to walk around free. “That is why I came down from Abuja in person to address this matter,” he said.
Disu again stressed the police would ensure a secure environment for political campaigns and the election, stressing that democratic activities must be peaceful.
“We will ensure all parties campaign freely and safely. However, those who are planning violence should be aware that it will not be business as usual. “Human life is sacred, and no one has the right to take it,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a video of the meeting between the IGP and Governor Adeleke, the governor insisted that his administration was still committed to peace and stability in the state.
ADELEKE reportedly also said that he had no problem arresting anybody found to be involved in criminal activities.
The development comes amid renewed political tension in the state following calls by the Imole Campaign Council, which coordinates Adeleke’s re-election campaign, for the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan over allegations of bias and partisanship.
