No room for political violence in Osun elections, IGP warns

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

As the Osun State governorship election draws near, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has declared that it will no longer be business as usual for perpetrators of political violence in the state, directing the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to go after all suspects mentioned during the security engagements.

The IGP said nobody would commit a crime and go scot-free, insisting that no one has the right to take another person’s life.

Speaking at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, Disu expressed concern over the level of violence in the state, disclosing that more than 20 people had been killed within the past few months.

“Nobody will commit a crime and go scot-free. You can’t kill anybody and think you can walk around freely. That is why I left Abuja to come here and speak with you today.

“This is an election we are preparing for, not a war. We are going to campaign, we will provide security for everyone, and we will conduct a peaceful election in this state. Those who are planning to kill should know that it is no longer going to be business as usual. Human life is sacred, and nobody has the right to take it,” he said.

Disu assured political parties of adequate security during their campaigns, saying the police would provide a conducive environment for political activities and the conduct of the election.

The police chief said issues raised before him, including the suspects mentioned by stakeholders and the activities of the Amotekun Corps, had been noted and would be thoroughly investigated.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party accused each other of killings and political violence during the meeting.