PRESS STATEMENT
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) condemns in the strongest possible terms the fresh outbreak of violence in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, which has reportedly claimed the lives of innocent citizens following an alleged attempt by political thugs to forcefully take over a motor park in the town.
Reports indicate that three commercial bus drivers and two passersby were killed in the violence that erupted on Monday, August 24, with residents reportedly scampering for safety and businesses shutting down. This latest bloodletting is particularly disturbing coming barely days after the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election and after repeated warnings by civil society groups and the state government about the danger of renewed violence around motor parks and local government areas.
The Coalition is deeply alarmed by allegations that the attempted takeover of the motor park was aided or facilitated by elements within the security architecture, including the Divisional Police Officer in Ikire. We stress that these are serious allegations which must be subjected to an immediate, transparent and independent investigation. No police officer, regardless of rank or political connection, has the constitutional authority to facilitate the activities of political thugs or provide cover for criminal elements. If established, such conduct would amount to a grave betrayal of public trust and a direct assault on the rule of law.
We had genuinely hoped that the violence witnessed before and during the August 15 governorship election would be the last chapter in Osun’s recent cycle of political bloodshed. Unfortunately, today’s events suggest that those sponsoring and perpetrating violence remain determined to keep the state in perpetual tension. This is unacceptable. The people of Osun are tired of political killings, intimidation, thuggery and the weaponisation of motor parks and public spaces for political control.
What is even more disturbing is the growing perception that the Nigeria Police Force is either unwilling or incapable of stopping these acts of violence. This perception must not be allowed to become the new normal. Before the election, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room warned about political violence, motor-park tensions and allegations of political thuggery in Osun, while calling on the police to act impartially and decisively. Earlier, the police leadership had also publicly promised to end political killings and bring perpetrators to justice. Yet, the recurrence of deadly violence is evidence that stronger action is urgently required.
We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the nation’s foremost constitutional authority, to immediately call the Nigeria Police Force to order and demand a comprehensive investigation into the Ikire killings. The President must also direct the appropriate security and intelligence agencies to identify, investigate and prosecute all sponsors, financiers, masterminds and foot soldiers behind the recurring violence in Osun State, irrespective of their political affiliation, social status or connections.
We equally demand the immediate investigation of the conduct of the Ikire Divisional Police Officer and every other security official alleged to have aided or compromised the operation, with appropriate disciplinary and criminal action where evidence establishes wrongdoing. The Police cannot investigate itself through a process designed to protect its own personnel. The circumstances surrounding today’s killings require an investigation capable of commanding public confidence.
Let it be clearly understood: the patience of the people of Osun State is being tested beyond reasonable limits. Citizens have endured months of killings, political intimidation and fear. They cannot continue to watch their friends, relatives and neighbours become casualties of political ambition and criminal struggles over public spaces.
The Coalition consequently issues a strong warning to politicians, political godfathers, sponsors of thuggery, criminal gangs and compromised security personnel who may believe that Osun State can be destabilised with impunity: the era of using innocent citizens as expendable pawns in political battles must end. Those who sponsor violence today should understand that the law does not recognise political protection as immunity from criminal responsibility.
We also urge the people of Osun State to remain calm, resist provocation and refuse to allow themselves to be recruited into retaliatory violence. But calm must not be mistaken for weakness. The demand of the people is simple: protect their lives, enforce the law and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance will continue to monitor developments in Ikire and across Osun State. We shall document violations, demand accountability and engage relevant national and international institutions where necessary.
Osun State belongs to its people, not to political thugs, criminal gangs or those who seek to capture public institutions for private political interests.
We demand justice for the victims of today’s violence. We demand accountability. And above all, we demand an immediate end to the politics of bloodshed in Osun State.
Signed:
Olalekan Johnson
Secretary
Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance (CCSOGG)