The Osun State Government has said it will not protect or shield anyone found to be responsible for the recent killings and violent incidents reported across the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Security Matters, Samuel Ojo, made the statement on Wednesday while responding to allegations that the government was protecting suspected masterminds of the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir.
Oyeyemi was reportedly killed amid a leadership dispute within the Osun State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. Two NURTW leaders had alleged that his death was connected to disagreements over the proposed leadership of the union.
However, Osun Commissioner for Transportation, Sesan Oyedele, denied that the state government had endorsed Oyeyemi as the next NURTW chairman. He said union leaders who met with him had only informed him of their decision concerning the deceased.
Ojo said the government had directed security agencies to investigate the killings thoroughly and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
He disclosed that an emergency security meeting was held on Wednesday involving the police, Department of State Services, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NDLEA, Immigration, Correctional Service and Amotekun Corps.
According to Ojo, the meeting was convened following a series of killings linked to cult-related violence and disputes over control of motor parks. He said the security agencies had assured the state government that efforts would be intensified to prevent further loss of lives and restore normalcy.
The PUNCH reported that about five people had been killed between August 24 and September 15 in Ikire, Ile-Ife and Osogbo in incidents reportedly connected to motor park leadership disputes and cult-related conflicts.
Ojo reiterated that the government would cooperate with security agencies in investigating the incidents, stressing that no individual should be protected from prosecution if evidence establishes their involvement.
The development comes as authorities face renewed pressure to address violence and maintain public safety in Osun following the recent incidents.