An Abuja-based lawyer, Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Tunji Disu, urging immediate intervention to curb the wave of killings and political violence in Osun State ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election.
Olajengbesi submitted the petition at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, expressing concern over what he described as a worsening security situation and a disturbing rise in election-related violence across the state.
He called on the police leadership to deploy additional tactical personnel to Osun, investigate all reported cases of political violence, and ensure the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators regardless of their political affiliations.
According to him, the recurring violence poses a serious threat to public safety, democratic governance, and the credibility of the forthcoming governorship poll.
The lawyer alleged that politically motivated attacks had led to the loss of lives, injuries to residents, destruction of property, and widespread fear in several communities.
He also urged the police to review the state’s security architecture, strengthen surveillance in identified flashpoints, and direct all police formations in Osun to enforce the law impartially throughout the election period.
Olajengbesi said he filed the petition in his capacity as a legal practitioner, concerned citizen, and spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council (TICC).
“The purpose of this petition is not merely to complain about political developments, but to draw attention to a disturbing pattern of election-related violence that has resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and fear among residents,” he stated.
He stressed that the right to life remains the most fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution and noted that the Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives, property, and public order.
Citing the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Olajengbesi described the incident as one of several tragic cases reflecting a broader pattern of violence across the state.
He disclosed that the petition was accompanied by schedules containing names of victims, dates and locations of incidents, witness statements, photographs, videos, media reports, and other documentary evidence.
“These annexures provide a chronology of incidents that, taken together, raise serious concerns about the prevailing security situation in Osun,” he said.
Olajengbesi also expressed concern over what he described as a decline in public confidence in law enforcement agencies, warning that failure to respond decisively could encourage impunity and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
“Every incident that goes without a prompt, transparent, and effective response encourages impunity and weakens confidence in our democracy,” he said.
He urged the police authorities to act swiftly, insisting that the governorship election must not be conducted under an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
“Elections should be decided by the freely expressed will of the people through the ballot, not by violence, intimidation, or bloodshed.
“I respectfully urge your office to treat this petition with the urgency it deserves. The preservation of lives, the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy, and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force require decisive and timely intervention,” he added.
SOURCE: NAN
