Osun Governorship Election: IGP Says More Than 20 Killed, Warns Against Violence

The Osun governorship election faces growing security concerns after Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu said more than 20 people had been killed in recent months. During a visit to Osogbo on Friday, Disu urged politicians to reject violence and promised strong security measures before, during and after the Osun governorship election.

Speaking at the Osun State Police Command headquarters, Disu said police had received reports of attacks involving supporters of different political parties. He stressed that the election must not become a battlefield.

“We are preparing for an election, not a war,” he said, adding that anyone responsible for violence or killings would face prosecution.

Disu also revealed that the Osun Commissioner of Police reported allegations that some suspects were being sheltered inside the Government House. However, he said Governor Ademola Adeleke told him that anyone linked to criminal activity should be arrested, regardless of their relationship to the governor.

Furthermore, the police chief said senior officers witnessed the discussion with the governor. He pledged that security agencies would provide a safe environment for campaigns and voting.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to peace. He said he would not oppose the arrest of anyone found to have committed a crime.

The visit comes as political tension rises ahead of the Osun governorship election, with Adeleke’s campaign council demanding the redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police over allegations of bias.