Osun State has been rocked by violence following a controversial Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and councillors. The unrest has claimed six lives, with several others injured and receiving treatment in hospitals across the state.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the death toll on Tuesday, with spokesperson Yemisi Opalola stating that authorities are working to restore order.
Amid the crisis, Governor Ademola Adeleke accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and some security agency heads of orchestrating the chaos. He urged the public to hold them accountable for the violence.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical squads to Osun to strengthen security. The IGP condemned the violence and vowed that perpetrators would face justice.
“These violent actions have disrupted peace, led to the destruction of property, and caused the unfortunate loss of innocent lives,” said Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement.
He emphasized the police’s commitment to restoring order and warned against further unrest. “The police will not tolerate any act of lawlessness, hooliganism, or anarchy. The perpetrators of these criminal acts will be fished out and brought to justice,” Adejobi stated.
As authorities work to stabilize the situation, the police have urged Osun residents to remain calm and avoid engaging in violence. “Citizens must remain calm as normalcy is being restored. Osun indigenes, leaders, and stakeholders are hereby urged to shun violence and go about their legitimate businesses,” the police statement read.