Force Headquarters Vows to Prosecute Perpetrators as IGP Deploys Drones, Helicopters to Curb Pre-Election Violence
The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed 30 cases of alleged politically motivated killings in Osun State, raising serious concerns about escalating violence just weeks before the state’s August 15 governorship election.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, made the disclosure Tuesday during a Channel TV programme, revealing that arrests have been made and some suspects have already been charged to court.
“From the complaints received, we cannot rule out the involvement of some politicians in the killings,” Iniedu stated, though he declined to provide specific details to avoid prejudicing ongoing investigations and court proceedings.
The confirmation comes as political tensions continue to mount in the southwestern state, prompting the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to personally visit Osogbo to address the brewing crisis. During his visit, the IGP met with Governor Ademola Adeleke and other key stakeholders, delivering a stern warning against thuggery and political violence.
“The posture of the IGP is that we will not tolerate thuggery and any form of breakdown of law and order,” Iniedu emphasized, adding that parents have been warned to caution their children against being used as tools to settle political scores.
Addressing allegations of police complicity and partisanship leveled against the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, the Force spokesperson assured that the IGP has issued a “marching order” requiring every suspected criminal to be tracked, arrested, and prosecuted.
“The police will never be part of any cover-up and will not shield any person involved in any crime,” Iniedu declared, dismissing accusations against the force as expected “accusatory fingers” from political gladiators ahead of elections.
In a significant show of force, specialised units, drones, and helicopters have been deployed to Osun State, with improved intelligence collaboration with sister agencies now in place. The police spokesperson noted that the IGP’s visit was already yielding positive results.
With over 400,000 active policemen across Nigeria, the Force insists it has adequate resources to ensure a peaceful electoral process, even as the nation watches closely to see if the security measures will effectively curb the pre-election violence.
