CSO raises alarm over rising pre-election violence in Osun

Civil Society Organization Raises Alarm Over Rising Violence Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

OSOGBO, Nigeria — The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), a civil society organization, has voiced serious concerns regarding escalating violence, intimidation, and insecurity in Osun State as the 15 August 2026 governorship election approaches. The group is urging stakeholders to take immediate measures to avert further unrest.

During a press conference on Thursday, KDI emphasized the importance of maintaining elections as peaceful civic processes, through which citizens have the opportunity to choose their leaders without fear of conflict or violence.

KDI’s ongoing pre-election observation and violence monitoring activities have recorded 44 incidents of election-related violence in the state from October 2025 to June 2026. These incidents resulted in 13 fatalities, numerous injuries, and destruction of property.

Bukola Idowu, the organization’s Executive Director, noted that an additional 24 non-election-related violent incidents were reported during the same timeframe, resulting in 23 deaths. This suggests that the upcoming election is occurring against a backdrop of heightened security concerns.

The report indicated that 26 of the 44 verified election-related incidents happened in May and June 2026, accounting for 59.1 percent of the total cases. Idowu described this trend as a significant early warning signal that necessitates urgent preventive actions.

KDI’s Election Security Risk Assessment highlighted various forms of violence in the state, including shootings, physical assaults, verbal threats, crowd intimidation, property destruction, and confrontations in politically sensitive areas.

Specific geographic concerns were raised, particularly in the Osogbo Local Government Area, where Olaiya, Oke Fia, and Aregbe reported the highest concentrations of incidents. Additional reports from Owode Ede and surrounding communities have also expressed worries over voter confidence and public safety.

The organization condemned the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, who was reportedly fatally injured in a violent incident in Ilobu, located in the Irepodun Local Government Area, on 21 June 2026. KDI described the tragic death as a stark reminder of the long-lasting consequences of unchecked political and communal violence on families and communities as well as the broader democratic process.

KDI called for a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation into Olapade’s death and other reported acts of violence.

In response to growing tensions, KDI announced the formation of the Osun State Peace and Mediation Working Committee. This multi-stakeholder platform aims to facilitate dialogue and promote preventive engagement among various community members, including political leaders, security agencies, and civil society organizations.

KDI urged political parties to engage in peaceful campaigning and called on security agencies to implement intelligence-driven preventive measures and to investigate all reported incidents thoroughly. The organization emphasized that the media, community leaders, and citizens should all play active roles in promoting peace.

“The lives of Osun citizens matter. The credibility of the election matters. The peace of communities matters,” KDI stated.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peaceful, credible, and secure elections in Osun State and throughout Nigeria.

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