Osun govt decries spate of attacks as Police reengineer mode of operation

Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo

Osun State Government has decried the spate of violent attacks in the state, giving stern warning for a stop to the criminality else the perpetrators would be made to dance to their evil rhythm.

The state government disclosed that it was aware of plans by the opposition to further unleash terror on government officials and members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the days ahead.

It however called for calm among the people of the state, including functionaries of government and  members of the APC.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode on Tuesday after the State Executive Council meeting.

The statement read, “The government is very worried about the spate of politically-motivated assassinations in Osun, a state that has enjoyed peace and tranquility in the last four years and has earned its rating as the nation’s safest place.

“Sadly, innocent and peace-loving people are beginning to live in fear since the announcement of the results of the governorship election.

“Specifically, government officials and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress have been targeted in all of these attacks. More shocking was the ambush and violent attack launched on the First Lady in Ede, the hometown of Mr Ademola Adeleke, which left people on her convoy injured. Indeed, there is nothing to prove that the attack was not targeted at Governor Adegboyega Oyetola himself.

“We have intelligence reports that more of such attacks are being planned and targeted at government officials and chieftains of the ruling party in order to further heat up the polity of the state and, by extension, disrupt the peace of the State.

“The state is calling on both local and national security agencies, and especially the Inspector-General of Police, to rise to the occasion and ensure the safety of Osun citizens and especially protect government officials from the onslaught of the PDP and its terror allies.

“The government in the saddle is a responsible and peaceful one, and has since not fought back because it doesn’t believe in heating up the polity of the state. It has simply minded its business and continued to deliver on its promises to citizens, which it is constitutionally bound to do till November 27.

“Finally, Government wishes to reaffirm that no one should test its resolve to deploy the full powers of the law to make the state safe for all including members of the opposition themselves. A word should be enough for the wise.”

In order to curb the series of attacks and acts of thuggery, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode has re-engineered the security template in the State.

According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, the CP has ordered the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to embark on intensive operations and intelligence led policing to ensure the public place is not taken over by the criminal minded individuals and groups.