The Accord Party's House of Representatives candidate for the Ijesa South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Hon. Alaba Popoola, popularly known as Alabama, has appealed to residents of Ijesaland to remain peaceful and law-abiding following the alleged abduction of two party stakeholders in Ilesa East Local Government Area.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on June 25, 2026, involved Hon. Kasumu Simiyu and Mr. Iyiola Dagunduro, both members of the Accord Party.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Popoola expressed concern over the incident, saying allegations of politically motivated violence, intimidation, and abduction pose a threat to democracy and public safety.
According to him, the victims and eyewitnesses identified several individuals as suspects in the alleged abduction. Those named include Mr. Aluko Oluwatobi, popularly known as "Lucifer," Mr. Lasisi Ojo Abdullahi, and Mr. Asu Bitter. The statement alleged that the suspects were armed with firearms, axes, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons during the incident.
Popoola said the accounts given by the victims after their release, alongside eyewitness testimonies and videos circulating on social media, have heightened public concern and warrant an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.
"It is unacceptable that allegations of this magnitude involving violence, intimidation, and abduction should remain unresolved without a swift and transparent investigation," he said.
"The people of Ijesaland deserve justice, accountability, and the assurance that no individual is above the law."
The Accord chieftain also expressed concern over comments reportedly made by the Osun State Police Command through its Public Relations Officer regarding the incident. He urged the Inspector-General of Police to constitute a special investigative team to carry out an independent and comprehensive investigation into the matter.
He further called on the police to invite and investigate all individuals identified by the victims and eyewitnesses and, where sufficient evidence exists, effect arrests in accordance with the law.
"The objective is not persecution, but justice. Every victim deserves justice, every allegation deserves a thorough investigation, and every suspect is entitled to fair hearing and due process under the law," Popoola stated.
He also appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, civil society organisations, and security agencies to work together to maintain peace while ensuring justice is served.
Reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law, Popoola assured the people of Ijesaland that every lawful effort would be pursued to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The police authorities are yet to issue any further official response to the latest demands contained in the statement.
