Teenager’s killing may threaten fragile peace among Osun communities, group warns
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
A peacebuilding organisation, the #PreachForPeace Project, has expressed concern that recent political developments, including the killing of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, during political violence in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, could undermine the fragile peace in Ilobu, Erin-Osun and Ifon-Orolu communities.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Executive Director of Future Builders Initiative (FBI) and Project Lead of the #PreachForPeace Project, Opeyemi Oladimeji, the organisation said it was worried by reports of inflammatory political statements from stakeholders across party lines that could escalate tensions in the affected communities.
The group also expressed sadness over the death of the teenager, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the need for stakeholders to exercise restraint and prioritise the safety and well-being of residents.
According to the statement, the project has spent the last five months building trust, promoting dialogue and establishing platforms for peaceful coexistence among the three communities.
It noted that stakeholders from the communities recently gathered at a Multi-Stakeholder Peace Summit, where they signed a Peace Accord committing themselves to dialogue, accountability and partnership for youth-led sustainable peace.
The organisation called on political stakeholders to respect the spirit of the accord and refrain from actions or statements that could reverse the progress already made.
It appealed to political leaders to avoid inflammatory comments capable of inciting violence, respect the sanctity of human life, engage in constructive dialogue and allow the legal process to take its course regarding the Ilobu incident.
The group extended condolences to the family of the deceased boy and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice is served, while also calling on residents to remain calm, avoid retaliation and allow the authorities to handle the matter appropriately.
