In a bid to restore order amid rising tensions in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued an urgent directive to residents, including politicians, to stay away from local government secretariats following violent clashes spurred by a failed illegal takeover attempt by sacked APC chairmen and councillors.
Governor Adeleke made the announcement on his official X account on Monday evening, calling for the lockdown of all local government councils to prevent further bloodshed and safeguard public property.
“Following reports of a failed illegal takeover bid of local government councils in Osun by the sacked APC chairmen and councillors, I hereby direct all Osun residents, including politicians across all political divides, to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed,” the governor stated.
The unrest, which escalated after the takeover attempt, has prompted a withdrawal of services by the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), effectively locking the council secretariats.
Governor Adeleke expressed his sorrow over the casualties resulting from the crisis, which have claimed several lives, particularly among members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I equally condole families of victims of the APC illegal takeover bid and chaos unleashed across the state by the APC and their hired thugs,” he said.
According to Adeleke, five PDP members have been killed, with several others injured. Two of the deceased hailed from Iragbiji in Boripe local government, while others lost their lives at Ola Oluwa Local Government and Ikire.
To ensure safety and the protection of citizens, Adeleke has ordered security agencies to take full control of the local government secretariats, reaffirming his commitment to securing lives and property in the state.
“I have directed security agencies to take charge of all local government secretariats, and I hereby assure residents of Osun of their safety and protection of lives and properties,” the governor assured.
