Osun State Police Command has began a manhunt to apprehend those responsible for the violent clashes that erupted across the state, leading to multiple deaths and widespread destruction.
The unrest began on Monday when sacked local government chairmen and councillors under the All Progressives Congress, APC, attempted to reclaim their offices, following a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned their dismissal.
Their actions were met with resistance from supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.
Tensions escalated as members of both parties gathered at council secretariats, resulting in violent confrontations.
It was gathered that six persons lost their lives, and properties were destroyed in several local government areas across the state.
Among the casualties was Remi Abass, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, who was allegedly killed at the entrance of the Irewole Local Government secretariat in Ikire.
He was buried on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.
In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, expressed sympathy with those who lost loved ones and property.
Opalola said the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, promised a thorough investigation would be conducted to arrest the perpetrators and make them face the full wrath of the law.
“The crisis left six people dead and many people hospitalised.
“We are not happy with what happened yesterday, and various groups have been called for a meeting. We have held a series of meetings with the Commissioner of Police to ensure that this does not happen.
“We express our deepest sympathy to those affected, including those who lost their lives and property. The CP assured of a thorough investigation and promised that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law,” Opalola said.
The police asked the residents to remain calm and exercise patience for the operatives to carry out their lawful duties and restore peace.
“Those fomenting trouble should desist from this act. This state is known for peace.
“We won’t allow anyone to disrupt the peace of our state. The IGP has deployed mobile policemen from outside the state to Osun, they arrived yesterday night.
“The command will leave no stone unturned to achieve peace. Let us give peace a chance,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSSIEC ilhas insisted that the local government election would be held as scheduled.
The state slated February 22, 2025, for the conduct of the local government election.
The management of OSSIEC, in a statement by the commission’s Information Officer, Sadiat Isiaka, on Tuesday, dismissed insinuations that its premises had been sealed by military personnel.
The commission assured residents that the local government election slated for Saturday would be held as scheduled.
“OSSIEC wishes to alert members of the public to the fake news in circulation that the premises of the commission have been sealed off by the Nigerian Army.
“The general public, especially the electorate, are hereby enjoined to disregard the fake news as the premises of the commission are secure and safe as evident in the heavy presence of inter-agency security personnel comprising the combined team of the police, DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante, etc.
“Our commendations to the security agencies for providing adequate security for the staff, facilities and election materials at OSSIEC,” it noted.
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