Amid mounting concerns about possible violence ahead of the governorship election in Osun State, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, visited the state on Friday and revealed that at least 20 people had allegedly died in the previous few months.
Disu said during a meeting at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, warning political actors not to convert the election into a violent confrontation.
The police head assured citizens and political stakeholders that necessary security measures would be in place to ensure a peaceful election.
During his visit, he was briefed in detail by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, and spoke with Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“If my records are correct, almost 20 people have been killed in a matter of months. “We’re preparing for an election, not a war,” Disu stated.
He explained that security authorities had received numerous charges and complaints about members of various political parties in the state.
The IGP also claimed that the commissioner of police had notified him of certain suspects supposedly being sheltered inside the Government House, which he characterised as worrying.
“I raised the issue during my meeting with the governor, and he responded clearly that even if his own child was involved in criminal activity, such a person should be arrested,” Disu said, noting that the discussion was witnessed by senior police officers, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone.
The police chief emphasised that anyone participating in acts of violence or murder would face the full force of the law, warning that criminal behaviour would no longer be allowed.
“No one can take another person’s life and expect to travel freely. “That is why I personally came down from Abuja to address this issue,” he stated.
Disu reaffirmed that the police would guarantee a safe environment for political campaigns and the election itself, emphasising that democratic activities must be carried out peacefully.
“We will ensure that all parties can campaign freely and safely.” But those plotting violence should be aware that it will not be business as usual. “Human life is sacred, and no one has the right to take it,” he stated.
Meanwhile, in a video of the IGP’s meeting with Governor Adeleke, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the state’s peace and stability.
Adeleke also reportedly stated that he had no objections to the arrest of any person discovered to be involved in criminal activity.
The announcement comes amid renewed political tension in the state, following requests by the Imole Campaign Council, which organises Adeleke’s re-election campaign, to redeploy Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan over charges of bias and partisanship.