The Yoruba Progressives Forum (YPF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing violence and suspected cult clashes in Osun State. According to the group, the recurring killings have become a near-weekly occurrence, causing fear among residents and threatening public safety and economic activities. The YPF National Coordinator, Alhaji AbdulLateef Olalekan, stated that the situation is unacceptable and requires urgent attention from the Federal Government.
Recent incidents cited by the YPF include the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, also known as Emir Ajagungbade, in Ile-Ife, and violent deaths in Esa-Oke, Ilesa, and Ikire. A clash near Ilesa Garage in Osogbo on October 2 left two people dead and four others with gunshot wounds. Another attack on October 4 in Arowomole resulted in the reported shooting of Rasaki Wahab, also known as Ojo Iku. The group also mentioned the killing of a person identified as Rogba in Esa-Oke.
The YPF argued that the recurring attacks suggest that state authorities are overwhelmed and unable to effectively address the situation. The group urged President Tinubu to direct security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and local surveillance, arrest perpetrators, and ensure their prosecution. They emphasized that protecting lives and property is the primary duty of every level of government.
The YPF's appeal is aimed at securing decisive action against the killings, rather than scoring political points. The group urged the state Commissioner of Police, traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious institutions to collaborate on anti-cultism initiatives. They also asked parents to discourage young people from joining violent groups.
The violence in Osun State has continued despite Governor Ademola Adeleke's earlier attribution of pre-election violence to political tensions. The YPF noted that the clashes have persisted after the August 15 governorship election, indicating a deeper issue that requires a more comprehensive approach.
The group's statement emphasized that the people of Osun State deserve to live without fear and that the Federal Government's intervention is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the situation. They stressed that urgent action is required to address the root causes of the violence and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The YPF's call for intervention comes amid growing concerns about the security situation in Osun State. The group's appeal is a reminder of the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the issue, involving all stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
Key points
- The Yoruba Progressives Forum has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the recurring killings and suspected cult clashes in Osun State.
- The group cited recent incidents, including killings in Ile-Ife, Esa-Oke, Ilesa, and Ikire, and clashes in Osogbo.
- The YPF urged the Federal Government to direct security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and local surveillance, arrest perpetrators, and ensure their prosecution.
