The All Progressives Congress candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, has urged the government and stakeholders to take immediate and sustained action against the growing threat of youth violence in Osun State. Adegoke warned that the state cannot afford to allow violence, cultism, and political thuggery to become normalised. He stressed that the situation requires a coordinated response from government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, parents, and political actors.
Adegoke declared that the response to youth violence must go beyond reacting after lives have been lost, and instead, focus on identifying and addressing the conditions that push young people towards crime and violence. He emphasized that creating meaningful economic opportunities for young people must form a critical part of the state's security strategy. This includes providing opportunities in agriculture, technology, construction, and other sectors.
The APC candidate called for a structured rehabilitation and reintegration program for youths already involved in cultism and other forms of criminality. He stressed that such interventions must be properly regulated and complemented by appropriate law-enforcement measures. Adegoke also urged the government to strengthen measures against drug abuse, warning that substance abuse could intensify violent behavior and make vulnerable young people easier targets for criminal recruitment.
Adegoke proposed the establishment of stronger community-based early-warning and mediation mechanisms to identify tensions before they escalate into violence. He called for schools to give greater attention to conflict resolution, civic responsibility, and peaceful engagement, arguing that prevention must begin before young people become involved in violent networks. He also suggested an Osun Youth Peace and Security Summit to bring together stakeholders and produce a measurable action plan.
The summit, Adegoke said, should produce a plan with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and mechanisms for monitoring implementation. He urged the state government to move away from occasional reactions to a sustained strategy capable of addressing the economic, social, and security dimensions of youth violence. Adegoke also called on parents and community leaders to strengthen mentorship and supervision of young people.
Adegoke emphasized that law-enforcement agencies must operate professionally, impartially, and without political interference. He stressed that justice must be applied evenly, irrespective of the identity or political connections of those involved in violence. He also challenged political leaders to stop recruiting or encouraging young people to serve as instruments of political violence.
Adegoke urged young people not to kill for politicians or surrender their future to political interests, stating that youths must not be turned into weapons for political ambitions. He concluded by emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address the issue of youth violence in Osun State.
Key points
- Adegoke calls for urgent action to tackle youth violence in Osun State.
- He emphasizes the need for economic opportunities and rehabilitation programs for young people.
- Adegoke proposes an Osun Youth Peace and Security Summit to develop a measurable action plan.
