Six people have lost their lives in Osun State following a crisis sparked by a contentious Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating All Progressives Congress (APC)-elected local government chairmen and councillors.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the casualties on Tuesday in a conversation with Channels Television. According to the Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, those injured are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier raised concerns on Sunday, accusing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, along with certain security agency leaders, of conspiring to enforce the court ruling. The governor urged the public to hold Oyetola and the state’s security chiefs accountable for any resulting violence.
In response to the unrest, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical units to Osun State to reinforce security and restore order.
The IGP also issued a stern warning against those inciting violence, emphasizing that the Force would not tolerate acts of lawlessness, hooliganism, or anarchy.
In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned Monday’s violence and assured that all perpetrators would face justice. He reiterated the police’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring those responsible for the unrest are held accountable.
“In response to the ongoing violence in Osun State, the Nigeria Police Force has condemned, in strong terms, the incidents that have disrupted peace and safety in the state, and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.
“These violent actions had disrupted the peace, leading to the destruction of property, and the unfortunate loss of innocent lives.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has taken decisive action by ordering the deployment of additional tactical squads to Osun State to bolster security and restore law and order.
“The police recognises that violence undermines the democratic process and threatens the wellbeing of the citizens, and hereby affirms its commitment to identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators of these acts and caused them to face the full weight of the law.
“The IGP issues a stern warning to those who threaten the peace and stability in Osun State, as the Force will not tolerate any act of lawlessness, hooliganism and anarchy in the state.
“The perpetrators of these criminal acts will be fished out and be caused to face the consequences of their unwarranted ill-fated acts. Citizens must remain calm as normalcy is being restored. Osun indigenes, leaders, and stakeholders are hereby urged to shun violence and go about their legitimate businesses.”