The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has vowed to go after persons behind the rising wave of violence in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Naijaonpoint reports that Disu spoke on Friday during a visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House, Osogbo.
The IGP said, “I’m here because of the situation Osun State is turning into.
“I’ve taken my time to look at what is happening around here, and for a number of months now, we have been able to count the number of deaths and the number of crises and fighting in Osun.
“We are approaching a very important election, and this will not be entertained by us.
“We’ll go after each and every one who has committed any crime in this state.”
Disu said the police would not condone further killings or political clashes in the state.
He further stated, “The police will not condone unnecessary killings. It is not done anywhere in the world. I will not stand by it.
“This is an election; it is not a war. It’s an election, not a war.”
He said the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the zone had earlier been deployed to engage the state government and other stakeholders on measures to prevent further bloodshed.
The IGP said security agencies had identified groups allegedly linked to the violence.
He said, “Various groups of people who have been involved in this have been mapped out. The commissioner of police has been given the marching orders to go after anybody causing trouble in the state.
“You cannot kill anybody and continue to walk around freely in the town.”
Disu said he had also received complaints from different quarters and had been briefed on allegations that some suspects were hiding in the Government House.
“He briefed me that some suspects are hibernating in the government house. I looked at that. If that is true, why should suspects be in the government house?” he asked.
He, however, said the police would handle all allegations through lawful procedures.
The police chief appealed to parents to stop their children from being used as political thugs.
Disu added, “I know that thugs are employed for elections. Osun State should be an exception because we are going to bring in more men.
“If parents are listening to me, let them warn their children. They shouldn’t allow politicians to use them for elections because it is only those who are alive that can reap the dividends of the election.”
Disu also warned the state police command to improve its performance, saying the commissioner of police and the Assistant Inspector-General overseeing the area had been directed to intensify action against criminal elements.
“I do not want to hear one more complaint against the Commissioner of Police,” he said.
Responding, Adeleke commended the IGP for visiting the state and urged him to prosecute anyone involved in the killings.
“If you see any of my people committing a crime, arrest them. If it’s my son that is involved, arrest him,” the governor said.
