Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Gunmen Attacks in Osun
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised an alarm over what he termed coordinated gunmen attacks on some towns in the state. Speaking during a media briefing at the Government House in Oke-Fia, Osogbo, on Tuesday, Adeleke urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call supporters of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to order. He accused them of perpetrating violence ahead of the August 15 gubernatorial polls.
Adeleke also implored the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu; the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS); and other top security officials to focus on Osun State to avert bloodshed and looming chaos. He called for urgent measures to checkmate violence capable of disrupting the peace of the state, accusing APC thugs of shooting sporadically, causing commotion and tension in Ile-Ife, Osogbo, and Ede townships.
Police Suspend Political Activities in Oriade Local Council
The Osun State Police Command has advised all political parties, candidates, and supporters to suspend planned political gatherings, rallies, campaigns, and processions in Oriade Local Council. The command stated that the directive followed credible intelligence reports and security concerns within the council. The Commissioner of Police recommended the postponement of all political activities to a later date to prevent any possible breach of peace and ensure public safety.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the measure was taken to maintain law and order. The statement noted that all political stakeholders were expected to comply with the advisory. The police said efforts to promote peace among the political parties had not yielded the desired result, resulting in a deadlock during engagements with concerned stakeholders. The command urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies.
APC Campaign Council Denounces Violence
The Osun State APC Governorship Campaign Council deplored the increase in alleged politically-motivated violence in the state, which it claimed was targeted at innocent citizens and supporters of its governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO. The council called on security agencies to ensure the safety of all residents.
Adeleke’s Campaign Council Slams APC Claims
Meanwhile, the Spokesman for the re-election campaign council of Adeleke, Pelumi Olajengbesi, slammed the APC chapter in Osun State for what he termed “mischievous claims and falsehood” peddled against the governor. In a statement, Olajengbesi, an Accord Party chieftain, said claims by the APC over the governor’s security votes were lies and dark propaganda. He dismissed allegations that Adeleke used Amotekun operatives for family business, describing them as baseless.
