Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged security agencies to immediately arrest those responsible for the reported killings and violence that followed the governorship election in Osun State.
Oyetola, who previously served as governor of the state, made the appeal in a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday, saying he was “deeply concerned” about the worsening violence and loss of lives.
“I condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. Violence against our people is a grave assault on the peace, heritage and democratic values that define our state
No political ambition, localised transition or commercial interest can ever justify the taking of a human life. Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” he said.
The minister sympathised with families who lost relatives and called on the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to take urgent steps to restore peace.
“Adequate security personnel should be deployed to volatile areas, public spaces reclaimed from hoodlums, and everyone found responsible for killings and other acts of violence promptly apprehended and brought to justice,” Oyetola said.
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He also appealed to political actors, stakeholders and residents to remain calm and settle disagreements through dialogue rather than violence.
“I appeal to all stakeholders and citizens to exercise restraint, reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.
The progress and prosperity of Osun must never be sacrificed for political or commercial interests,” he said.
The statement followed reports of violence in parts of Osun after the governorship election.
In the latest reported incident, two people were feared killed on Monday at Naira and Kobo Junction in Ikire during an alleged attempt to seize control of a motor park.
Sources told journalists that drivers believed to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress had previously controlled the park before another group of drivers, reportedly affiliated with the Accord Party, allegedly moved to take over the facility.
The development reportedly triggered a clash, leaving two people feared dead.