Osun APC:  Conclusion Of Gov. Election Must End Gale Of Killings

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) has said that it expected the conclusion of the governorship election to bring an end to reported killings and other violent incidents in the state, but expressed concern that fresh cases have continued.

The party expressed concerns over reported cases of killings in Osogbo, the state capital, and other parts of the state, urging the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC stated that it was worried that reports of violent incidents continued despite the conclusion of the August 15 governorship election.

The party specifically cited Friday’s attack around the Owo-Eba area, near Ilesa Garage in Osogbo, where two people were killed and four others sustained gunshot injuries.

The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a suspected clash between rival cult groups.

The command said two people died at the scene, identifying one of them as Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as Small Rugged, while the identity of the second victim has yet to be established.

Police spokesman, Abiodun Ojelabi, said four other people sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“The command is aware of a shooting incident suspected to be a cult clash around Owoeba area, Osogbo. Two persons died at the spot, one identified as Small Rugged, while the other’s name is yet unknown.

“Four other people sustained gunshot injuries and have been rushed by the police to a nearby hospital for treatment,” Ojelabi said.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, has directed tactical teams to move into the area and apprehend those responsible for the attack. As of the latest reports, no arrest had been announced in connection with the incident.

The APC, however, described the latest incident as part of a broader security concern in the state and urged Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and security agencies to take urgent steps to safeguard residents and visitors.

“It is worrisome that Osun has become a killing field where human lives are wasted. People from other states now dread coming to Osun, as extrajudicial death appears to be the cheapest thing in the state.”

The party alleged that the Friday attack involved unidentified hoodlums armed with guns, machetes, knives and cudgels, and identified the deceased as Small Rugged and Seyi Osha.

However, the police account confirmed two deaths and four gunshot injuries, while identifying only Small Rugged among the deceased at the time of its statement. The police also characterised the incident as a suspected cult clash.

The APC urged the state government, police and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and investigations and ensure that anyone found responsible for the killings was arrested and prosecuted.

“Each time there is an extrajudicial killing, it simply translates to the fact that the state government and security agencies have failed in their constitutional responsibility,” the party said.

It also called on the government to ensure that residents and visitors could go about their activities without fear, while urging security agencies to prevent further violence and possible reprisals.

The latest shooting has renewed security concerns in Osogbo, coming amid reports of recent violent incidents in parts of Osun.