‘Anyone Who Gives Us Information Will Be Protected’ — Osun Police Assure residents Ahead of Governorship Election

The Osun State Police Command has declared that there will be no hiding place for perpetrators of election-related violence, assuring residents that anyone who provides credible information to security agencies will be protected.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Abiodun Ojelabi, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, gave the assurance during the Osun Citizens Town Hall Meeting in Osogbo ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Ojelabi said the off-cycle governorship election has given the command sufficient time to deploy personnel and strengthen security arrangements across the state.

“Thank God Osun State is conducting an off-cycle election. It has given us ample opportunity and time to draw personnel from across the 36 states. Based on the strategies we have put in place, I can assure you on behalf of the Commissioner of Police that we are ready,” he said.

The police officer disclosed that the command had reviewed its security strategy following recent incidents in Ile-Ife and Odo Otin Local Government Area, saying fresh measures had been introduced to prevent violence before and during the election.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police held a meeting with the command’s management team to reassess the security situation and implement new operational plans in response to emerging threats.

“There are new developments coming up every day that give us concern. Because of what happened in Ife and Odo Otin, we have changed our operational strategy. The Commissioner of Police has met with the management team, and a new strategy has been put in place to forestall these incidents,” Ojelabi said.

Speaking on the attack at Ward 2, Odo Otin, where suspected hoodlums reportedly invaded a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Okuku, and carted away some voter cards being distributed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ojelabi said investigations were ongoing.

He disclosed that no arrests had been made but assured that the police were working closely with eyewitnesses and INEC officials to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“The incident at Odo Otin Ward 2 is under investigation. No arrest has been made yet, but we are working with eyewitnesses and INEC officials to trail those responsible,” he stated.

The police spokesperson appealed to residents to support security agencies with useful information, assuring them that their identities would remain confidential.

“Gone are the days when criminals can hide. The world we live in today is a global village. Whatever you do, everybody is watching. Whoever gives us information on these culprits will be protected,” Ojelabi said.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with security agencies intensifying efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process across the state.