Osun police launch probe into shootings, hunt suspects
Osun State Police Launch Investigation into Recent Shootings
The Osun State Police Command has initiated an investigation into recent shooting incidents that resulted in several injuries across various locations in the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi conveyed the concerns of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan regarding the incidents. The command has instructed its Violent Crime Response Unit, along with the Operations and Intelligence Departments, to conduct a thorough investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible.
The statement emphasized that the investigation’s goal is to ensure the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the attacks.
To reassure residents, the police reported that normalcy had been restored in affected areas, and security measures have been strengthened to prevent further violence. Intelligence-led operations are currently underway to locate the perpetrators and their potential sponsors.
The police evacuated injured individuals to medical facilities for treatment, and all reported cases were said to be responding positively to care.
Commissioner Gotan urged residents to remain calm and alert while encouraging anyone with pertinent information to assist in the investigation. Ojelabi stated, “Citizens with useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation are encouraged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency channels. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout the state and promised to bring those responsible for the criminal acts to justice.
The police also advised against any attempts by individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands, warning that such actions could threaten public safety and order in Osun State.
On Tuesday, tension escalated as Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council traded accusations regarding the recent wave of violence. Both parties called for security intervention and further investigations.
Reports indicated that the disturbances involved shootings and attacks in Osogbo, Ede, and Ile-Ife, with conflicting narratives emerging from the state government, the APC, and the Accord party, each blaming rival groups for the unrest.
In an emergency press briefing held in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke condemned what he described as coordinated attacks by political thugs allegedly linked to the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, known as AMBO.
In contrast, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council dismissed the governor’s allegations, claiming that supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord were responsible for instigating violence against APC members and campaign materials.
Additionally, the Accord party released a statement from its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, alleging that armed assailants connected to the APC campaign were responsible for shootings in Osogbo and Owode-Ede, leading to injuries and casualties.
