Police: 6 died, many injured in Osun LG crisis

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that six persons lost were killed in the crisis over the control of local government secretariats in the state.

The crisis erupted between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the Court of Appeal judgement sacking of APC local government chairmen and councillors.

The PDP claimed that the February 10 judgement of the Court of Appeal did not reinstate the sacked APC chairmen and councillors elected in 2022, while APC insisted on their return.

The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Yemisi Opalola, in a statement on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, said several people also sustained injuries during the crisis.

Opalola, however, noted that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had deployed mobile policemen to Osun State to ensure a peaceful atmosphere.

Opalola said the mobile police, who were deployed from other states, arrived on Monday night.

‘Perpetrators’ll be punished’: IGP condemns Osun LG crisis

She said the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, had ordered a thorough investigation into the crisis, with a promise that perpetrators would be prosecuted.

The police spokesperson stated: “The event of yesterday left six people dead and many people hospitalised. We are not happy with what happened.

“We expressed deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives and property.”

Opalola, who urged residents of Osun State to remain calm, said the police would continue to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the state.

She warned those fueling trouble in the state to desist from the act, saying Osun State is known for peace.

Opalola added: “We won’t allow anyone to disrupt the peace of our state.

“The command will leave no stone unturned to achieve peace. Let us give peace a chance.”

The Star