- Safiu Kehinde
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the additional deployment of tactical squad to Osun state in an effort to restore normalcy.
This is in response to the ongoing violence in the state which the IGP strongly condemned.
NPO reported the violence outbreak on Monday when supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) clashed with the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) across local government areas in the state.
The clash, which state governor, Ademola Adeleke, warned about during a Press Conference on Sunday, occured over an Appeal Court ruling in Ondo state which allegedly reinstated the sacked APC LG chairmen and councillors.
With alleged influence by former governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola, the sacked officials reportedly stormed the secretariats on Monday, resulting to the clash which had left many dead and several others injured.
In response to the mayhem, the Nigerian Police Force condemned the violence and killings in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The Force vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that the violent actions have disrupted the peace of the state and led to destruction of lives and property.
Adejobi disclosed the IGP’s directive on the deployment of additional tactical squad to restore normalcy in the state.
“These violent actions had disrupted the peace, leading to the destruction of property, and the unfortunate loss of innocent lives.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has taken decisive action by ordering the deployment of additional tactical squads to Osun State to bolster security and restore law and order.” He wrote.
Adejobi further reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators.
He restated the IGP’s warning to those threatening the peace and stability of the state, adding that the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of all electoral disputes and political actors must respect and abide by its rulings.
“Police recognizes that violence undermines the democratic process and threatens the wellbeing of the citizens, and hereby affirms its commitment to identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators of these acts and caused them to face the full weight of the law.
“The IGP issues a stern warning to those who threaten the peace and stability in Osun State, as the Force will not tolerate any act of lawlessness, hooliganism and anarchy in the state.
“The perpetrators of these criminal acts will be fished out and be caused to face the consequences of their unwarranted ill-fated acts. Citizens must remain calm as normalcy is being restored.
“Osun indigenes, leaders, and stakeholders are hereby urged to shun violence and go about their legitimate businesses.
“The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of all electoral disputes and political actors must respect and abide by its rulings, upholding the rule of law and democratic principles. Citizens are advised to go about their lawful business.
“The Force reiterates its commitment to clamping down on any violent actors who bent on creating brouhaha and breakdown of law and order in any part of the country.
“The situation in Osun will be closely monitored, and measures will be enforced to ensure a safe environment for all residents.” Adejobi stated.