Osun East group demands recovery of illegal firearms from political thugs
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Coalition of Youths and Students and Concerned Citizens of Osun East Senatorial District has called on the police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms allegedly in the possession of political thugs and criminal elements in the district.
The coalition made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, while expressing concerns over political violence, insecurity and accountability in the senatorial district.
It urged security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations to identify those in possession of illegal firearms, recover the weapons and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.
“We call on the Police and other security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations to identify, recover and lawfully deal with illegal firearms threatening our communities,” the group said.
The coalition also called for an impartial investigation into allegations of killings, threats, intimidation and other forms of political violence before, during and after the 2026 electoral process.
It demanded justice for victims of pre-election violence and their families, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to cost people their lives.
The group also raised concerns over statements it said were attributed to Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi during the election campaign, including an allegation concerning people associated with the opposition or wearing yellow caps.
It said the allegation should be properly investigated by the appropriate authorities, particularly the police.
“No election is worth a human life. No political ambition should be placed above the safety of citizens,” the coalition said.
The group further demanded greater accountability and improved representation for constituents of Osun East, saying representation should go beyond occupying a seat in the National Assembly.
According to the coalition, elected representatives should prioritise community development, education, youth empowerment, employment opportunities and regular engagement with constituents.
“Our young people must not be remembered only during elections. They deserve skills, education, entrepreneurship support, employment opportunities and meaningful participation in governance,” it said.
The coalition urged the police and other security agencies to remain professional and impartial in handling allegations of political violence and insecurity.
“They must investigate credible allegations without fear or favour and intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms and dismantle networks of political thuggery,” the group said.
It also appealed to residents across Atakumosa West, Atakumosa East, Oriade, Obokun, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North and Ife South to reject political violence and refuse to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate criminal acts.
The coalition said political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and democratic processes rather than violence.
Addressing Senator Fadahunsi, the group said, “Our message is simple: listen to the people, engage the people and respect the people.”
It added that public office came with responsibility and accountability, stressing that allegations against public officials should be investigated fairly and that the law should take its course whenever wrongdoing was established.
The coalition urged participants in its civic action to remain peaceful and law-abiding, saying its demands were centred on justice, security, accountability, peace and better representation for the people of Osun East.
“Political power must serve the people. Public office must come with accountability. No political difference is worth a human life,” the group said.
