Osun LG Crisis: Police confirm six fatalities, vow justice

The Osun State Police Command, on Tuesday, confirmed that six persons lost their lives in Monday’s skirmishes between members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the battle for control of local government secretariats in the state.

While vowing that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will face the full wrath of the law, the police assured that no stone will be left unturned in their efforts to sustain peace and security for lives and property.

It will be recalled that the recent judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Akure, which purportedly reinstated sacked local government chairmen and councilors elected on the platform of the APC, had triggered a crisis in Osun, culminating in violence and the killing of some people, with many others injured.

One of the victims of the violence was the former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Remi Abass, who was killed during a clash between APC and PDP supporters in Ikire.

In a video posted by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Yemisi Opalola, which was sighted by The Guardian, the police expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the mayhem.

It also urged residents to remain calm while the police continue to work toward restoring peace and stability, warning troublemakers to desist from any act of violence that threatens public safety.

Opalola said, “The Osun State Police Command has strongly denounced the recent violent outbreaks in local government administration, which have compromised public safety and disrupted peace in some communities. The command expresses its deepest sympathy to those affected by the criminal acts that resulted in the loss of lives and property damage.

“The CP assures a thorough investigation, promising that the perpetrators will face justice. Citizens are urged to remain calm and patient as the police work diligently to restore peace. Troublemakers disrupting the state’s peace are hereby warned to cease immediately.

“The Osun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, vowing to prevent any further breakdown of order.”

Meanwhile, normalcy and peace had returned to the local government secretariats affected by Monday’s violence.

Our correspondent, who monitored activities in Osogbo, Olorunda, Irewole, Ilesa West, Ifelodun, Boripe, and other local government areas, noted that the main gates of their premises were under lock and key, while armed mobile policemen were seen mounting security.