Police Told to Arrest Alleged Political Thugs as Fresh Attacks Hit Osogbo Properties

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered security agencies to immediately arrest identified political thugs allegedly responsible for fresh attacks on Accord Party and public properties in Osogbo, warning that continued inaction could push residents into self-help.

The governor’s directive followed renewed incidents of vandalism in parts of the state capital, which reportedly escalated from billboard destruction to attacks on government infrastructure and other public assets.

In a statement, Adeleke urged the Commissioner of Police in the state to take decisive action against the suspects, allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress, insisting that security agencies are aware of their identities and movements.

He specifically mentioned a group allegedly led by a figure known as Asiri Eniba, accusing them of moving in convoys of vehicles and motorcycles while carrying out coordinated attacks and firing sporadically in some instances.

“I hereby direct the Commissioner of Police to immediately effect the arrest of Asiri Eniba and his gang who are terrorising the state,” the governor said.

According to him, the suspects have extended their activities to attacks on public infrastructure, raising concerns over the safety of government installations, including the State Secretariat and other facilities.

He commended police operatives who recently repelled an attempt to vandalise statues at the Abere roundabout, but stressed that more proactive measures were needed to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Adeleke warned that security agencies must act swiftly to forestall a situation where residents would be forced to take matters into their own hands.

“The police must not wait for the public to resort to self-help before taking decisive action,” he added.

The governor also called on all security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to intensify efforts to restore order and prevent further escalation of violence in the state.

Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the governor, signed the statement.