TICC orders documentation of electoral violence victims in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has directed its structures across Osun State to commence the documentation of victims of electoral violence recorded before, during and immediately after the August 15 governorship election.

The council said the exercise was part of its comprehensive post-election review and would cover all persons affected by violence during the electoral process, regardless of their political affiliation or voting preference.

In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council directed its structures across all local government areas to document persons who sustained injuries, families who lost loved ones, people whose properties were damaged or destroyed, as well as other identifiable victims of election-related violence.

“Importantly, this exercise is not party-focused. Every victim must be documented, irrespective of political affiliation, party membership or voting preference. Violence against any citizen diminishes us all, and no family should be forgotten simply because of their political persuasion.

“While we are grateful to God and to the people of Osun State for the outcome of the election, we recognise that our victory cannot erase the pain of families who suffered losses or injuries in the course of the electoral process,” the statement read.

The council noted that responsible leadership required it to account for the human consequences of the election after the conclusion of the political contest and ensure that the experiences of victims were properly documented.

It consequently directed all local government structures to submit comprehensive and verifiable records of affected persons for further review and appropriate action.

“The election is over. Our common humanity must now take precedence over political differences. Osun comes first,” the council stated.