The killing of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, has triggered fresh concerns over political violence in the state, with both the Imole Campaign Council, TICC, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, condemning the incident and calling for a thorough police investigation.
Both political camps separately appealed for peace and justice, with the death of the teenager now drawing renewed attention to concerns over security and political tensions ahead of the August 15 of the governorship election in the state.
Addressing a world press conference in Osogbo on Monday, the Director-General of TICC, Senator Kamarudeen Olalere Oyewumi, described the teenager’s death as evidence of a dangerous descent into political assassinations capable of undermining peace, security and democratic stability in Osun State.
Oyewumi alleged that the teenager was shot dead on June 21 while attempting to rescue his mother during a violent attack in Ilobu.
According to him, eyewitnesses linked the attack to a group allegedly led by one Saheed Kareem, popularly known as “Tanfeani”.
“The circumstances surrounding the death of this innocent child are both heartbreaking and infuriating. He was simply trying to rescue his mother, who had fallen while fleeing from sporadic gunshots,” Oyewumi said.
The TICC chief claimed that the Osun State Police Command had identified the alleged leader of the gang responsible for the attack and urged the authorities to take decisive action.
He also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, to order the arrest and prosecution of all persons
