Osun state civil groups demand police commissioner redeployment amid election violence

Civil society organisations in Nigeria's Osun state have escalated pressure on security authorities ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The World Institute for Peace submitted a petition to Inspector‑General of Police Tunji Disu, warning that rising political thuggery could trigger anarchy and urging urgent action to investigate murders, kidnappings and other violent crimes linked to politics.

The Network of Osun Civil Society Groups, which had planned a protest, suspended its demonstration and extended a 72‑hour ultimatum after the IGP's intervention. The coalition continues to demand the immediate redeployment of State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan, citing his presence as a barrier to confidence‑building and a peaceful electoral process. The groups cite recent incidents, including the alleged abduction of an Accord Party member in Ilesa, and call for restructuring of the state police command to restore public trust.