The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, has directed the Osun State Police Command to intensify efforts to curb Osun extrajudicial killings and restore public safety across the state.
Speaking during a security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo, the DIG instructed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies in tackling recurring violent crimes, particularly those linked to cult activities.
The meeting brought together heads of security agencies, electoral officials, religious leaders, political representatives, and members of the media.
Among those present were Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission, and John Adeleke, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Osun State. Representatives of the All Progressives Congress attended the meeting, while the ruling Accord Party was not represented.
Addressing participants, Fayoade condemned the continued killings allegedly carried out by suspected cult groups and directed security agencies to identify criminal hideouts and prosecute those responsible. He said no political affiliation should shield individuals involved in criminal activities.
“We don’t care what people, whatever affiliation they have or party they are, as long as they are disturbing the peace of the people, they must be brought to book,” he said. To strengthen security, the DIG ordered regular joint patrols involving all security agencies.
According to him, heavily armed patrol teams equipped with armoured vehicles should cover communities across Osun every weekend until the election period ends. He also instructed the Commissioner of Police to reopen several traditional security checkpoints across the state to improve surveillance and intercept illegal weapons.
Fayoade attributed the current wave of violence to lingering cult-related conflicts that intensified in 2022. He warned that retaliatory attacks between rival cult groups had created a dangerous cycle of violence that must be broken.
According to the DIG, allowing such killings to continue would further threaten public safety and undermine peace in the state. He described the repeated revenge attacks as a destructive competition that places little value on human life.
The renewed directive follows a series of violent incidents that have heightened concern over Osun extrajudicial killings and broader insecurity in the state.
Among the recent cases was the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, who was reportedly shot dead by suspected political hoodlums in Ilobu. Another resident identified as Rogba was also killed by unidentified gunmen in Esa-Oke.
The police leadership expressed confidence that increased collaboration, sustained patrols, intelligence gathering, and stricter enforcement would help curb Osun extrajudicial killings and improve security across the state ahead of future political activities.
