0
0
TICC Demands Thorough Investigation Into Killing of ACCORD Leader’s Son in Ikire
0
0
TICC Demands Thorough Investigation Into Killing of ACCORD Leader’s Son in Ikire
By Waliu Adetokun, and Osogbo
The Imole Campaign Council has called on security agencies to immediately investigate the killing of Eluyera Kolade, son of the women leader of the ACCORD Party in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.
The demand was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who described the incident as “tragic, shocking and deeply disturbing.”According to the statement, Kolade was reportedly attacked and killed near Onireke Mosque in Ikire by suspected political thugs allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress.
The council alleged that prior to the incident, several complaints and security reports concerning alleged intimidation, harassment, abduction and attacks targeted at members of the ACCORD Party in Irewole Local Government had been lodged with the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ikire and the Office of the Area Commander.
“This disturbing development reportedly came after repeated security complaints and intelligence reports over attacks and threats against ACCORD Party members in the area, yet no visible preventive action was taken to stop the escalation of violence,” the statement said.
TICC warned that the situation posed a serious threat to public peace, political freedom and constitutional democracy in Osun State.
“Political disagreement must never be allowed to degenerate into violence, intimidation, bloodshed or attacks on citizens exercising their constitutional rights to political participation and association,” the statement added.
The council also expressed concern over what it described as the slow response of security agencies to repeated allegations of politically motivated violence in parts of the state.
According to the group, the growing tension within the opposition was a result of what it described as “the increasing rejection of the APC by many residents of Osun State,” while commending the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for its “visible performance and people-oriented governance.”TICC called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to launch a “comprehensive, independent and transparent investigation” into the killing.
The council urged authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone connected to the incident, including alleged sponsors and collaborators, regardless of political affiliation or status.
It further appealed for increased security presence in Irewole Local Government and other politically sensitive areas across the state to prevent further violence and breakdown of law and order.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the leadership of the ACCORD Party and all those affected by this tragic incident,” the statement concluded.“Justice must not only be done, it must also be seen to be done.”
