YPF calls on Tinubu to intervene as cult violence escalate in Osun
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Yoruba Progressives Forum (YPF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the worsening security situation in Osun State, expressing concern over recurring killings, suspected cult clashes and other violent attacks across the state.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Alhaji AbdulLateef Olalekan, popularly known as Asiri Ede, the forum said hardly a week passes without reports of killings or violent attacks, warning that the situation requires urgent and coordinated action by the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent further loss of lives.
YPF expressed concern over a series of killings and violent attacks across Osun, including the reported killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, in Ile-Ife; killings in Esa-Oke, Ilesa and Ikire, where two persons, including a traveller, were reportedly killed; and the suspected cult clash on October 2 around Owoeba, near Ilesa Garage in Osogbo, which left two persons, including Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as Small Rugged, dead and four others injured. The forum also cited the shooting of Rasaki Wahab, popularly known as Ojo Iku, at Arowomole in Osogbo on October 4.
According to the forum, the situation has become sufficiently alarming to warrant greater federal involvement, adding that residents, particularly those in Osogbo and other affected communities, deserve to live without the constant fear of armed attacks.
“Osun people cannot continue to live in fear while our youths kill one another and innocent residents risk being caught in the crossfire. Hardly would a week pass without reports of killings or violent clashes somewhere in the state. This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue,” the statement said.
YPF questioned the effectiveness of the existing security response, arguing that the state government appeared overwhelmed by the persistent incidents despite Governor Ademola Adeleke’s constitutional responsibility, as the state’s chief executive, to support efforts to maintain peace and security.
The forum, however, stressed that the responsibility for tackling violent crime must not be left to the state government alone, urging President Tinubu to direct the relevant federal security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen surveillance, investigate reported killings and bring those responsible to justice.
The group also called on the Osun State Commissioner of Police, other security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads and youth organisations to rise to the challenge by working together to address the causes of the violence, discourage cultism and promote peaceful coexistence.
