The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has vowed that security agencies will pursue and prosecute everyone involved in the recent wave of violence in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking during a visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo on Friday, Disu expressed concern over the growing number of killings, clashes, and political unrest in the state, describing the situation as unacceptable.
He said the police had monitored the violence for months and warned that the forthcoming governorship election must not be treated as a battle.
“This is an election, not a war,” the IGP said, adding that the police would not tolerate politically motivated killings or any form of violence.
Disu disclosed that security agencies have identified groups allegedly linked to the unrest and directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police to arrest anyone found instigating or participating in criminal activities.
Addressing allegations that some suspects were hiding in the Government House, the IGP said the claims would be investigated in accordance with the law. He added that there were also reports of political actors across different parties harbouring suspected criminals.
The police chief appealed to parents to discourage their children from being used as political thugs, warning that additional security personnel would be deployed to ensure a peaceful election.
He also charged the state police command to intensify efforts against criminal elements and warned that poor performance would not be tolerated.
Responding, Adeleke commended the IGP for the visit and urged the police to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the violence, regardless of political affiliation.
“If you see any of my people committing crime, arrest them. If it’s my son that is involved, arrest him,” the governor said.
The renewed security assurances come amid heightened political tensions in Osun, with supporters of the Accord party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing one another of orchestrating violence ahead of the governorship election.
