Osun Youths Demand Recovery of Illegal Guns From Political Thugs

 

By Abel Chigozie 

Youths, students and concerned citizens in Osun East Senatorial District have called on the police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms allegedly in the possession of political thugs and criminal elements.

The call was made on Wednesday during a peaceful protest organised by the Coalition of Youth and Students and Concerned Citizens of Osun East Senatorial District in Ilesa, Osun State.

The protesters expressed concern over the alleged circulation of illegal firearms in the area, warning that the possession of such weapons by political thugs and criminal elements could threaten peace and security across communities in the senatorial district.

They urged the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, and the Inspector-General of Police to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to identify, investigate and recover illegal weapons in the hands of unauthorised persons.

The protesters said decisive action was necessary to prevent the escalation of political tensions, violence and loss of lives, particularly in the aftermath of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

The coalition also demanded justice for victims of alleged pre-election violence in Osun East, calling for an impartial investigation into incidents recorded before and after the election.

The protesters further raised concerns over alleged politically inflammatory remarks attributed to the Osun East Senator, Francis Fadahunsi, during the election period.

They referred to an allegation that the senator made a statement concerning people wearing yellow caps and called on security agencies to investigate the claim and take appropriate action if it is established by credible evidence.

The coalition stressed that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence, intimidation or threats to the lives of citizens.

It urged the police, Department of State Services and other security agencies to remain professional and impartial in handling security matters and ensure the protection of residents regardless of their political affiliations.

The protesters also called for an end to political violence and heightened tensions in Osun East, saying residents deserved effective representation, accountability and a peaceful environment in which young people could participate freely in democratic activities.

They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful and lawful civic engagement, while urging security agencies to act within the law to protect lives and property.

The coalition maintained that the recovery of illegal firearms from unauthorised persons was essential to preventing future violence and preserving peace across Osun communities.