Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has condemned the recent wave of post-election violence in parts of Osun State, warning that the reported killings pose a serious threat to peace, stability and democratic values.
Oyetola, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, on Tuesday in Osogbo, described the violence as disturbing and urged political actors and other stakeholders to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than confrontation.
He said no political ambition, local interest or commercial consideration could justify the killing of citizens.
“Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” the minister said.
The state’s former governor expressed condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the violence, while calling on the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to take immediate and decisive measures to restore order and protect residents.
He urged security agencies to strengthen their presence in identified flashpoints, reclaim public spaces reportedly taken over by hoodlums and ensure that those responsible for killings and other violent acts are arrested and prosecuted.
The minister also appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise restraint, stressing that the development and prosperity of Osun State must not be sacrificed for political or commercial interests.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, security and development of the state, urging residents to collectively preserve Osun’s reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.
Oyetola’s call came as the Osun State Police Command confirmed the death of two civilians and serious injuries to two police officers following an attack by suspected political thugs in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, saying the incident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Monday along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.
According to Ojelabi, a police patrol team from the Ikire Division, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer, was responding to a distress call over the alleged abduction of a man identified only as Sunkanmi when the officers were attacked.
He said the assailants, who were reportedly armed, opened fire on the police team while the officers were inside their operational vehicle.
The attackers also succeeded in taking away an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police, the police spokesperson said.
Ojelabi added that the assailants subsequently used the stolen firearm to shoot indiscriminately, killing two civilians.
He said the command had commenced efforts to recover the stolen rifle and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The police spokesperson assured residents that the command would continue working to restore normalcy in the affected areas and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
