The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has condemned the escalating post-election violence and the tragic loss of lives in some parts of Osun State.

Mr Oyetola, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, on Tuesday in Osogbo, described the attacks on citizens across the state as a grave assault on the peace, heritage and democratic values of the people.

He stressed that no political ambition, local interest or commercial consideration could justify the loss of human lives, urging stakeholders to reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.

“Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” he said.

The minister expressed deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the violence.

He called on the state police command and other security agencies to act decisively to restore order and protect residents, particularly in areas affected by the unrest.

Mr Oyetola urged the security agencies to deploy adequate officers to volatile locations, reclaim public spaces from hoodlums, and ensure that those responsible for the killings and other acts of violence were swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

The minister further appealed to residents across the state to prioritise peace and restraint, warning that the progress and prosperity of Osun State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political or commercial interests.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, security and development of the state, urging citizens to work together to preserve its long-standing reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.

The police in the state said two civilians were killed and two of its officers sustained serious injuries during an attack by suspected political thugs in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Tuesday in Osogbo, said unidentified assailants, suspected to be political thugs, attacked a police patrol team attached to the Ikire Division at about 11 a.m. on Monday along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

He said the patrol team, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ikire Division, was responding to a distress call over the alleged abduction of one Sunkanmi, whose surname was unknown.

According to him, upon arrival at the location, the officers came under a sudden and unprovoked attack by a group of unidentified hoodlums.

He said the assailants opened fire on the officers while they were inside their operational vehicle and succeeded in snatching an AK-47 service rifle.

“The hoodlums used the stolen weapon to fire indiscriminately, resulting in the tragic loss of two innocent civilians.”

He added that the police were taking steps to recover the stolen rifle and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

(NAN)