The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has condemned the killing of two persons at the Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, allegedly involving the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Irewole Division, Bamidele Olatona.
The party called for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of the police officer over the incident, which reportedly claimed the lives of a commercial bus driver, Saheed Akinrole, and a passenger.
In a statement signed by its state chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the party alleged that the DPO personally stormed the garage and opened fire on civilians.
Akande said the incident was particularly disturbing because, according to the party, there was no reported conflict or takeover attempt at the garage before the shooting.
“The Accord Party, Osun State chapter, vehemently condemns the utterly barbaric, unprofessional and unprovoked shooting incident at the Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire,” Akande said.
He alleged that the incident was part of a broader pattern of misconduct by the DPO, particularly during the period preceding the recent governorship election in the state.
According to him, residents of Ikire had previously raised concerns over alleged partisan activities and violence in the area, accusing the police officer of failing to take decisive action against perpetrators.
Akande further alleged that the DPO had, during the election period, provided protection to political thugs while violence was being perpetrated in some communities.
“The continued presence of an unhinged, heavily armed officer operating with complete impunity poses an immediate and dangerous threat to public safety in Irewole Local Government,” he alleged.
The Accord chairman said the latest incident had raised serious questions about police accountability and the use of firearms by officers entrusted with protecting citizens.
He therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police and the Police Service Commission to take urgent action against the DPO.
“We hereby call for the prompt arrest, psychological evaluation, dismissal and criminal prosecution of DPO Bamidele Olatona,” Akande said.
He also demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, stressing that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.
Akande said the party’s demand was aimed at ensuring justice for the victims and preventing similar incidents in the future.
He added that law enforcement officers must be held accountable whenever their actions allegedly result in the loss of innocent lives.
The Accord chairman urged the police authorities to demonstrate their commitment to professionalism, neutrality and the protection of citizens by conducting a transparent investigation into the incident.
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