Human rights groups under the aegis of the Network of Civil Society Groups yesterday in Osogbo gave the inspector-general of police (IGP), Tunji Disu, 72 hours to review and restructure the Osun State Police Command to stem the current trend of political violence in the state, or they will return to the streets.
The group insisted that the ultimatum became imperative following the delay in action by police authorities and worsening security situation, culminating in the death of innocent people of the state, with particular reference to the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu on Sunday.
They also reiterated their call for the redeployment of the state commissioner of police, Ibrahim Gotan, over alleged unchecked criminality, and the growing perception that the state’s policing architecture had become compromised under his watch.
The group, at a press conference addressed by Comrade Demola Yaya, further called on the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, as the chief security officer of the state, to take all necessary lawful steps to safeguard lives and properties, and to engage relevant federal authorities where necessary, in the interest of public safety.
They cautioned political actors, their supporters, and sponsored groups against trivialising the genuine security concerns of Osun citizens.
Adding that attempting to dismiss or politicise legitimate concerns about killings, violence, and insecurity only worsens the situation and undermines efforts toward lasting peace.
On the demand for restructuring, Yaya said, “Several incidents of broad daylight shootings, violent attacks, and politically motivated disturbances have occurred across the state, yet many of the individuals fingered in these incidents remain untouched by law enforcement.
“At the same time, citizens continue to raise serious concerns about selective policing, selective arrests, and the apparent reluctance of the command to pursue certain individuals whose activities are widely known to the public.”
According to him, whether through action or deliberate inaction, the command has increasingly given the impression that some politically exposed individuals and notorious political thugs enjoy protection, operational cover, or preferential treatment not available to ordinary citizens, hence the need for restructuring.
