Osun: Civil Society Groups Commend IGP’s Intervention, Demand Police Command Restructuring

The Network of Osun Civil Society Groups has commended the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu over the security situation in Osun State, while calling for an immediate restructuring of the leadership of the state police command.

The group made the demand in a press statement signed by Olowu Emmanuel on Sunday, following the visit of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (South-West), DIG Adegoke Fayoade, to Osun State over the recent wave of political violence and insecurity.

Olowu praised the Inspector-General for directing that political violence must end immediately and for ordering investigations, arrests, and prosecution of those responsible for murder, abduction, violence, and other criminal activities.

The group recalled that it had earlier issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force, which expired on Saturday, June 27, demanding the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, as a confidence-building measure ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

He said it had extended its planned action by another 72 hours in recognition of the Inspector-General’s intervention and in the interest of peace, constructive engagement, and respect for constituted authority.

According to the statement, the extension would allow the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission to implement the directives of the IGP and act on the group’s demand for the redeployment of CP Gotan.

The civil society coalition insisted that the people of Osun deserve impartial investigations, prompt arrests, and prosecution of anyone found responsible for politically motivated violence.

The Network maintained that the removal of CP Ibrahim Gotan and a comprehensive restructuring of the Osun State Police Command remained necessary to restore public confidence and guarantee a peaceful electoral environment.

According to statement, “We and the entire people in the state sincerely hope that the directives issued during the Deputy Inspector-General’s visit will be implemented without delay. The people of Osun deserve to see impartial investigations, prompt arrests, and diligent prosecution of everyone responsible for political violence.

“Our position, however, remains unchanged. The immediate redeployment of CP Ibrahim Gotan, alongside a comprehensive restructuring of the leadership of the Osun State Police Command, remains the most sustainable solution to the growing political violence and insecurity in the State. It is also the strongest confidence-building measure for restoring public trust and guaranteeing a peaceful electoral environment.

“There are also reports that another alleged Accord member was shot dead in the Ayekale area of Osogbo. Yesterday, another violent incident emerged in what was initially reported as a reprisal attack on an APC member by suspected thugs wearing Accord insignia, based on the victim’s first public statement. The same victim has since released another video alleging that he was actually shot by APC thugs and forced to retract his earlier claim.

“As of this morning, we have also received several reports of indiscriminate midnight gunfire at the Oroki Estate office of an APC chieftain, Abdulkabir Adeoye, popularly known as Ajisope, leaving residents traumatised. There are also unconfirmed reports of an attack on one alleged APC supporter in Okinni, who sustained serious injuries, and another unconfirmed report of an overnight gun attack on three traditional chiefs who are also Accord supporters in the same community. So, from Ilesa to Osogbo and Okinni, accusations and counter-accusations of politically motivated attacks continue unabated despite subsisting order of the IGP.

“What is most disturbing is that these documented incidents have occurred without any visible police intervention, arrests, or convincing public explanation, except for the reported transfer of the Okinni Divisional Police Offer who according to report made efforts to provide medical care for the Okinni chiefs but was subsequently transfered as a result this morning. This further erodes public confidence in the ability of the Osun State Police Command under CP Gotan to act impartially and carry out legitimate orders even from his superiors.

“The Network therefore maintains that a Commissioner of Police under whose watch these security challenges have escalated, amid persistent allegations of partisanship, cannot reasonably be expected to restore public confidence. Whether through acts of omission or inadequate enforcement, confidence in the leadership of the Osun State Police Command has been severely damaged and cannot be rebuilt under the continued leadership of CP Ibrahim Gotan.

“We demand The immediate redeployment of CP Ibrahim Gotan as Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command. A comprehensive restructuring of the leadership and policing architecture of the Osun State Police Command, including the immediate replacement of the Head of the State Anti-Cultism Unit, CSP Lukumon Afolabi (Eluku), whose conduct in handling these incidents has raised serious concerns about professionalism.

“Prompt investigation of all politically related killings, attacks, abductions, and other violent crimes. The arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators, regardless of political affiliation or status. Strengthened intelligence-led, professional, and impartial policing across Osun State.

“We respectfully urge the Inspector-General to act decisively within this extended seventy-two (72)-hour period. Delay is dangerous.”