Civil Society Coalition Protests Wave Of Killings In Osun Ahead Of Governorship Election

A coalition of civil society groups in Osun State has staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo against the rising wave of killings and political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

ThisDay reported that the Osun Youth and Students Coalition Network, comprising the National Association of Nigerian Students, NACES, Osun Youth Network and other groups, marched from Nelson Mandela Freedom Park through MDS Road to Olaiya Junction and Oke-Baale Roundabout.

Coalition spokesperson Lamina Omotoyosi, who is executive director of the World Institute for Peace, said the protest was prompted by the growing culture of political violence in the state.

The coalition passed a vote of confidence in the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, and called on the Inspector General of Police to deploy armoured personnel carriers and patrol vehicles purchased by the previous administration.

Omotoyosi cited the killing of Hon. Remi Abbas in Irewole last year and a video showing a wanted thug at the Government House gate as evidence of the deteriorating security situation.

Sources: ThisDay