Amid growing concerns over possible violence ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Friday visited the state and disclosed that no fewer than 20 people had allegedly lost their lives within the past few months.
Disu spoke during a meeting at the headquarters of the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo, where he warned political actors against turning the electoral process into a violent confrontation.
The police chief assured residents and political stakeholders that adequate security arrangements would be put in place to guarantee a peaceful election.
According to him, he had received detailed briefings from the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, and also held discussions with Governor Ademola Adeleke during his visit.
“If my records are accurate, over 20 people have been killed within a number of months. We are preparing for an election, not a war,” Disu said.
He explained that security agencies had received numerous allegations and complaints involving members of different political parties in the state.
The IGP further revealed that the commissioner of police had informed him about certain suspects allegedly being shielded inside the Government House, a claim he described as disturbing.
“I raised the issue during my meeting with the governor, and he responded clearly that even if his own child was involved in criminal activity, such a person should be arrested,” Disu stated, noting that senior police officers, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, witnessed the discussion.
The police boss stressed that anyone involved in acts of violence or killings would face the full weight of the law, warning that criminal activities would no longer be tolerated.
“Nobody can take another person’s life and expect to move around freely. That is why I came down from Abuja personally to address this issue,” he said.
Disu reiterated that the police would provide a secure atmosphere for political campaigns and the election itself, insisting that democratic activities must be conducted peacefully.
“We will ensure that all parties campaign freely and safely. But those planning violence should know that it will not be business as usual. Human life is sacred, and no one has the right to take it,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a video of the meeting between the IGP and Governor Adeleke, the governor maintained that his administration remained committed to peace and stability in the state.
Adeleke also reportedly declared that he had no objection to the arrest of any individual found to be involved in criminal activities.
The development comes amid renewed political tension in the state, following calls by the Imole Campaign Council, which coordinates Adeleke’s re-election campaign, for the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan over allegations of bias and partisanship.
