Adeleke urges police toarrest those behind recent attacks on Accord.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Following renewed attacks on the Accord Party and public property throughout Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has instructed the state Police Command to apprehend identified thugs affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) before citizens feel compelled to take matters into their own hands.

Governor Adeleke also called an emergency security council meeting to halt the disturbing developments.

In response to the latest incidents, which have gone beyond vandalising billboards to include damage to public assets, the governor ordered the state police commissioner to end any perceived protection of these individuals and to act decisively to safeguard public property.

While praising a police unit that thwarted an attempt to destroy statues at the Abere roundabout, the governor emphasized that police action must go further than the current measures and should immediately arrest the APC thugs led by Asiri Eniba.

“I hereby direct the state Commissioner of Police to immediately effect the arrest of Asiri Eniba and his gangs who are terrorising the state. They moved around in Sienna buses, a Hilux van, and motorcycles, shooting sporadically. The police know them, and the state Police Command should do the needful.”

“These political criminals are now attacking public property. Security agencies should prevent a scenario in which untamed thugs will set the state secretariat and other government buildings on fire.”

“I call on all security agencies to rise to this urgent task of enforcing law and order and preventing anarchy. The police authorities must not wait for the public to resort to self‑help before taking potent action.”

The meeting held at the Governor’s Office was attended by all service commanders, focusing on confronting the menace of thuggery by APC elements.

“I summon this emergency meeting to address this matter of urgent public importance. We must question why hoodlums attack public property while law enforcement agents refuse to make an arrest or prevent such threats to public peace.”

He quoted in a directive to his Special Adviser on Security that: “The security council is to fashion out a containment strategy to prevent future occurrences. We have a sacred duty to sustain the confidence of the public in the security agencies.”