“Police Watched as 14-Year-Old Was Killed in Ilobu” — Adeleke Alleges Complicity, Demands Justice.

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, Osun State, accusing the police of complicity in the political violence that has rocked parts of the state.

In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the incident as a tragic example of what he called the alleged failure of the police to curb the activities of political thugs operating in the state.

Adeleke, who expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased teenager, alleged that the victim was killed in the presence of security operatives by individuals linked to the opposition APC. He called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, particularly a suspect identified as Saheed Tanfeani, whom he accused of leading the operation.

The governor claimed that the killing was carried out by armed thugs who reportedly arrived in an AMBO-branded Siena bus, adding that the incident highlighted what he described as a pattern of police indulgence toward politically motivated violence.

“This killing is the worst example of police complicity. It confirms a pattern of police indulgence of Osun APC political thugs who move around towns with guns and regularly fire gunshots into the air,” Adeleke said.

He further alleged that residents and supporters of the Accord Party have been subjected to attacks and harassment by armed groups without adequate intervention from the police.

The governor accused the Osun State Police Command of demonstrating bias in favour of the APC, claiming that reports had emerged suggesting that some police officers accompany political thugs during their operations.

According to him, his administration has repeatedly petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies over what it considers threats to peace and security in the state.

Adeleke also criticized the police for allegedly providing protection to APC local government chairmen who had been removed from office by court rulings.

He maintained that despite recent court decisions, mobile police officers have continued to guard council secretariats occupied by the affected APC officials, thereby preventing elected PDP chairmen and councillors from gaining access to their offices.

Describing the development as an abuse of police powers, the governor warned that such actions undermine democratic governance and violate the rule of law.

“The deployment of mobile policemen to protect those occupying council secretariats illegally is the lowest ebb in the current trampling on our democratic life. A dangerous precedent has been set that will be resisted by our people,” he stated.

Adeleke urged President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene, warning that continued failure by security agencies to enforce the law could heighten tensions and encourage citizens to resort to self-help.

He stressed the need for all stakeholders to respect the Constitution, the Electoral Act and judicial decisions in order to safeguard democracy and maintain peace in Osun State.

The governor's remarks come amid renewed political tensions in parts of the state, particularly over local government administration and allegations of politically motivated violence.