The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has called for urgent security reforms, citing a worrying rise in politically motivated attacks and killings as the state prepares for the August 15 governorship election.

In a statement jointly signed by Demola Yaya of the Citizenship and Citizen Awareness Centre and Emmanuel Olowu of Democracy Vanguard, and made available to journalists in Osogbo, at the weekend, the coalition said recent incidents of violence, intimidation, and politically motivated attacks had heightened anxiety among residents and stakeholders.

According to the groups, instead of a decline in political tension, the state has continued to witness disturbing cases of violence, killings, and attacks targeting political actors and innocent citizens.

However, the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, has dismissed allegations of bias, insisting that the Command remained professional and committed to maintaining law and order across the state.

Gotan, while responding to calls for his redeployment, described the allegations as unfounded, saying: “During my one year in office, the Command under my watch had significantly reduced cases of banditry, terrorism, cultism, and other criminal activities. Our record speaks for itself.”

MEANWHILE, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has accused opposition elements of branding vehicles in his campaign colours to perpetrate criminal acts and damage his reputation ahead of the polls.

HOWEVER, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has relocated Tolulope Aderogba, the widow of the slain Accord Party (AP) member and her four children to the state capital for maximum protection and care.

Oyebamiji made the allegation while addressing journalists after observing the Jumat prayer with Muslim faithful in Osogbo.

He alleged that reports claiming vehicles bearing his campaign materials were being used for criminal activities were part of a calculated effort by political opponents to discredit him and undermine what he described as his growing acceptance across the state.

The APC candidate maintained that neither he nor his campaign organisation had any connection with criminality, insisting that he had always conducted his personal, professional and political life with integrity and in accordance with the law.

He, therefore, called on residents of the state to disregard any attempt to associate his campaign with criminal activities, stressing that his governorship ambition is driven by a commitment to provide purposeful leadership and responsible governance for the people of Osun State.

Oyebamiji, who thanked the Almighty Allah for His mercy and sought divine guidance for the state, appreciated the Muslim congregation for their warm reception and prayers in support of his governorship aspiration.

In fulfilment of the governor’s promise during a condolence visit to the bereaved family, Aderogba’s widow, alongside her children, had been moved to Osogbo, the state capital.

A statement by Adeleke’s Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, yesterday, hinted that when the widow arrived in the state capital, the governor gave instructions for immediate medical attention.

“Aside from moving the families to the state capital, the governor has also granted full scholarship to the children of the deceased, while accommodation has also been provided for them.

“The relocation process, co-ordinated by Pelumi Olajengbesi, the Spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council and a member of the House of Assembly representing Obokun State Constituency, Adewumi Adeyemi, was completed on Friday evening following fears about the safety of the widow and her children.