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By Newspot Nigeria Politics Desk
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has asked the police to investigate Hon. Sanya Omirin over alleged political killings in Ijesaland, following claims that suspected political thugs linked to the Peoples Democratic Party were involved in attacks on APC members and supporters.
In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Acting Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, urged the state police command not to treat the matter lightly, saying the killing of APC member Ebenezer Alaro in Ilesa-East Local Government Area must not be swept under the carpet.
Alaro was reportedly shot dead in front of his father’s house after participating in APC campaign activities. The APC alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected PDP-linked thugs and claimed that Omirin, who contested for the Ijesa-South Federal Constituency seat, should be interrogated over the incident.
Lawal said the party expected the police to have made more arrests, arguing that the killing of a party member for exercising his right to political association represented a dangerous threat to democracy and public safety.
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“What is at stake is the irreplaceable life of a young man whose life was cut short by hoodlums for exercising his fundamental right of freedom of association for political purposes,” the APC chairman said.
The party also commended the Osun State Police Command over the arrest of Olabode Owoeye, popularly known as Bode Itaapa, whom it described as a dangerous political thug. The APC alleged that Owoeye had made statements linking some attacks in Ijesaland and Atakumosa-East to political actors.
Lawal called on the police to expand their investigation and invite Omirin to respond to the allegations, saying a serving lawmaker must be above suspicion in matters involving violence and killings.
The APC further alleged that several of its members and supporters were killed or attacked during the 2022 governorship election and the 2023 general elections in Osun State. It claimed that some communities in Atakumosa-East had been unsettled by repeated attacks, forcing some APC supporters to flee.
The party also urged the police to ensure the safety of Owoeye while investigations continue, claiming that further disclosures could expose more sponsors of political violence in the state.
Lawal listed some alleged victims of the violence to include Ibrahim Taiwo Adebiyi, also known as Omo Alaja, two miners identified as Kelechi Agha and Tega Robinson, and Hon. Ayodeji Olaolu, an APC House of Representatives aspirant who was allegedly shot in the head and chest.
The APC also asked the police to investigate the ownership of a private security outfit allegedly operating around mining sites in Iperindo and nearby communities, claiming that political thugs may have been mobilised with motorcycles and cash to attack members of the public.
The party insisted that the police must arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation, to prevent future election-related violence.
As of the time of filing this report, the allegations against Omirin, the PDP and other named persons remained claims by the APC. Newspot Nigeria could not independently verify the allegations contained in the statement, and no response from Omirin or the Osun PDP was included in the material made available.
— Newspot Nigeria
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