Oyetola condemns the killings and unrest in Osun, urging security agencies to restore order, arrest perpetrators and protect residents from further violence.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has condemned the renewed violence in parts of Osun State, following the death of two civilians and the injury of two police officers during an attack in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
Oyetola described the development as disturbing and unacceptable, warning that political disagreements and competing interests must not be allowed to plunge the state into violence.
The minister’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
He expressed concern over what he described as an alarming breakdown of peace in some parts of the state, stressing that the loss of lives could not be justified by political ambition, local interests or commercial considerations.
According to him, the people of Osun deserve an environment where political differences can be addressed through dialogue and lawful means rather than confrontation.
Oyetola said political participation should contribute to the development of society and should never become a means through which lives and property are endangered.
“Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” he said.
The minister extended his condolences to the families of those who died in the violence, describing their loss as painful and unnecessary.
He also urged residents who may have been affected by the unrest to remain calm and resist any temptation to retaliate or take the law into their own hands.
Oyetola called on the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to take firm measures to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
He specifically urged the deployment of sufficient security personnel to areas considered vulnerable, while asking security operatives to reclaim public spaces allegedly taken over by hoodlums.
The minister further demanded that those responsible for the killings and other acts of violence be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He said allowing perpetrators of violence to operate without consequences could encourage further attacks and create an atmosphere of insecurity across the state.
Oyetola also appealed to political stakeholders, community leaders and residents to place the collective interest of Osun above individual political or commercial interests.
He warned that continued violence could undermine the state’s social and economic progress, adding that development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to the security and development of Osun State and urged citizens to work together to protect the state’s reputation for peaceful coexistence, enterprise and democratic values.
Police confirm deaths in Ikire attack
The minister’s statement came as the Osun State Police Command confirmed that two civilians lost their lives during an attack on police personnel in Ikire.
Two police officers were also seriously injured in the incident, while an AK-47 service rifle was reportedly taken from the officers by the attackers.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the incident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Monday along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.
Ojelabi said the police patrol team involved in the incident was attached to the Ikire Division and was accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer of the division.
The officers had reportedly been dispatched to the area after receiving a distress call concerning the alleged abduction of a man identified as Sunkanmi, although his surname was not immediately known.
The police team proceeded to the location to respond to the reported incident.
However, according to the command, the officers were confronted by a group of unidentified persons suspected to be political thugs shortly after arriving at the scene.
The attackers allegedly opened fire on the police personnel while they were inside their operational vehicle.
The assault reportedly left two officers with serious injuries and enabled the attackers to seize one of the police service rifles.
The situation subsequently became more dangerous when the assailants allegedly used the stolen firearm to shoot indiscriminately.
Two civilians were reportedly hit and killed during the incident.
The police command said it had commenced efforts to recover the stolen AK-47 rifle and track down the individuals responsible for the attack.
The latest development has raised fresh concerns about security in parts of Osun, particularly amid tensions linked to recent political activities and disputes.
The incident has also intensified calls for political actors and their supporters to resolve disagreements through dialogue and established legal channels.
Oyetola stressed that the future of Osun should not be sacrificed because of political differences or competing interests.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist investigations, while encouraging political stakeholders to discourage their supporters from engaging in violence.
The minister maintained that peace remained essential to the continued development of the state and called on all parties to exercise restraint.
For the security agencies, the immediate priority is to prevent a further deterioration of the situation, protect residents and public facilities, recover the stolen police weapon and ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought before the appropriate authorities.
Residents, meanwhile, have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid actions that could worsen tensions in affected communities.
The government and security authorities are expected to continue monitoring developments as efforts are made to restore normalcy and prevent further loss of lives.
The minister’s message ultimately centred on the need for Osun’s political and social interests to be protected through peaceful engagement, respect for the rule of law and collective responsibility rather than violence.
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