The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has expressed concern over rising political tension in Osun State, revealing that more than 20 people have reportedly been killed in recent months ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Disu made the disclosure on Friday during a meeting at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, where he warned political stakeholders against allowing the electoral process to descend into violence.
He assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force would deploy adequate security measures to ensure a peaceful, free and credible election across the state.
According to the police chief, he received comprehensive security briefings from the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, and also held discussions with Governor Ademola Adeleke during his visit.
“If my records are accurate, over 20 people have been killed within a number of months. We are preparing for an election, not a war,” Disu said.
The Inspector-General stated that security agencies had received several complaints and allegations involving members of different political parties, underscoring the need for all political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully.
Disu also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had alleged that some suspects were being shielded within the Osun State Government House, describing the claim as troubling. The allegation has not been independently verified, and no official response addressing the specific claim was included in the police briefing.
During a separate meeting with the Inspector-General, Governor Ademola Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state ahead of the election.
According to the governor, he has no objection to the arrest and prosecution of any individual found to be involved in criminal activities, regardless of political affiliation.
The Inspector-General’s visit comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State, following calls by the Imole Campaign Council, the organisation coordinating Governor Adeleke’s re-election campaign, for the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan over allegations of bias and partisanship.
