By: Tunji Okunlola
The Osun State Police Command confirmed Tuesday that two civilians were killed when suspected political thugs attacked a police patrol team responding to a distress call in the Ikire community of Irewole Local Council.
According to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the killings took place Monday along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway. The patrol team, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer for Ikire, had been dispatched after reports that a man identified as Sunkanmi had been abducted, when they came under heavy gunfire. The assailants forced the officers from their patrol vehicle and made off with it; the vehicle was later found abandoned, riddled with bullet holes and with its windscreen shattered.
Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura visited the scene to assess the situation firsthand and has ordered the Deputy Commissioner overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a full investigation.
Separately, Osun State APC Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal warned of what he described as a plot to stir fresh unrest in local government councils, calling on security agencies to protect council officials and staff. His comments followed a state government statement alleging that certain stakeholders were planning to incite disorder at council offices and motor parks in the wake of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
In a statement issued through the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, Lawal cautioned Governor Ademola Adeleke against taking any action that could reignite political tension in the state.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and immediate past governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, also weighed in Tuesday, condemning what he called post-election violence in parts of the state and describing it as a threat to democratic values and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola argued that the attacks endangered the “peace, heritage and democratic values” of Osun residents. He said no political or commercial interest could justify the loss of life, and appealed to all sides to reject violence in favour of dialogue.
The former governor called on security agencies to deploy more personnel to volatile areas, reclaim public spaces from hoodlums, and ensure that those behind the killings and other violent acts are swiftly identified and prosecuted.
“We are expressing our condolences to the families of those killed in the violence, while charging the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to act decisively to restore order and protect residents, particularly in areas affected by the unrest,” the statement read.
It continued: “Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed. We are appealing to residents across the state to prioritise peace and restraint. The progress and prosperity of Osun State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political or commercial interests.”
Oyetola’s office also reaffirmed his commitment to peace, security and development in the state, urging residents to work together to protect Osun’s reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.