Osun State Election

Author: Gist Correspondent

Ahead of Saturday\'s Osun State governorship election, security agencies have intensified surveillance across 13 local government areas identified as high-risk zones due to concerns over possible electoral violence.

The areas were flagged following reports of political clashes, attacks, voter intimidation and other security incidents recorded during the electioneering period.

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room disclosed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) identified 385 election flashpoints spread across the 13 councils, prompting heightened security preparations to safeguard the voting process.

Similarly, the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), which monitored pre-election developments, reported 73 election-related violent incidents that claimed 29 lives. The group identified Osogbo as the most affected area during the build-up to the poll.

The local government areas classified as high-risk are Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Ifedayo, Ila, Osogbo, Ifelodun, Oriade, Irepodun, Irewole and Odo-Otin.

These councils have witnessed varying degrees of political violence, including attacks on campaign activities, clashes between rival party supporters and other incidents capable of disrupting the election.

Osogbo, the state capital, has remained a major concern after recording several violent incidents during the campaign period.

In Irepodun Local Government Area, a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, was killed in June after he was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during a gun battle involving suspected political thugs in Ilobu.

Irewole has also experienced political tension following the killing of an Accord Party member in Ikire, an incident that sparked accusations and counter-accusations among rival political groups.

In neighbouring Odo-Otin, suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked an INEC Permanent Voter Card collection centre in Okuku in July and carted away PVCs, raising concerns over election security.

To forestall any breakdown of law and order, INEC said all identified flashpoints would receive enhanced security coverage, with personnel directed to remain neutral while protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials.

The Nigeria Police Force has deployed about 14,692 officers across Osun State for the election, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilised 10,210 personnel to support election security operations.

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has urged security agencies to act professionally and impartially while ensuring the safety of voters throughout the exercise.

With the identified flashpoints under close surveillance, security agencies say they are prepared to prevent violence and ensure that residents exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful atmosphere as Osun elects its next governor.