Abuja-based legal practitioner and spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council (TICC), Pelumi Olajengbesi, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urging the Nigeria Police Force to take immediate steps to address the rising wave of political violence and killings in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In the petition submitted at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Olajengbesi expressed deep concern over what he described as a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence across the state, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to public safety, democratic governance, and the credibility of the forthcoming election.
The lawyer called on the police hierarchy to deploy additional tactical and conventional security personnel to identified flashpoints across Osun State and take decisive action to restore public confidence in law enforcement.
According to him, the increasing incidents of violence have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, injuries to several residents, destruction of property, and growing fear among citizens in various communities.
Olajengbesi specifically cited the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, describing the incident as one of the most tragic examples of the escalating violence in the state.
"The purpose of this petition is not merely to complain about political developments, but to draw attention to a disturbing pattern of election-related violence which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, serious injuries to several citizens, destruction of property, and widespread fear across various communities in Osun State," the petition stated.
The petitioner further argued that public confidence in law enforcement has continued to decline due to what he described as inadequate responses to recurring incidents of political violence.
He alleged that despite numerous reports made to security agencies, many cases remain unresolved, thereby encouraging a culture of impunity and undermining trust in democratic institutions.
Among the demands contained in the petition are:
Immediate and comprehensive investigation into all reported incidents of political violence in Osun State.
Identification, arrest, and prosecution of individuals found to have participated in, sponsored, financed, or facilitated acts of violence, regardless of political affiliation.
Deployment of additional police personnel and tactical units to vulnerable communities and identified flashpoints.
A comprehensive review of the state's security architecture to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, to restore public confidence in election security and policing.
Directives to all police formations in the state to enforce the law impartially and without political bias.
Olajengbesi emphasized that the right to life remains the most fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and noted that the Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property while ensuring equal protection under the law.
He warned that the forthcoming governorship election must not be conducted in an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, or violence.
"Elections should be decided by the freely expressed will of the people through the ballot and not by intimidation, violence, or bloodshed," he stated.
The petition was accompanied by supporting documents, including the names of victims, dates and locations of reported incidents, witness statements, photographs, videos, media reports, and other materials intended to assist security agencies in their investigations.
Olajengbesi urged the Inspector-General of Police to treat the matter with urgency, stressing that the protection of lives, the credibility of Nigeria's democracy, and public confidence in the police require prompt and decisive intervention.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official response to the petition.
The petition comes amid growing concerns over security in Osun State as political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with stakeholders calling for proactive measures to prevent further violence and ensure a peaceful democratic process.
