Accord Demands Arrest, Prosecution of Irewole DPO Over Ikire Garage Killings
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has condemned the shooting incident at the Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed the lives of a commercial bus driver, Saheed Akinrole, and a passenger.
In a statement issued by its State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Irewole Division, Bamidele Olatona, personally went to the garage and opened fire on civilians.
Accord said there was no crisis or attempt to take over the park before the incident, insisting that normal activities were ongoing when the shooting occurred.
The party described the incident as “barbaric, unprofessional and unprovoked,” alleging that the conduct of the DPO raised serious questions about his suitability to remain in command.
Accord further accused Olatona of alleged partisan conduct during the pre-election and election periods, claiming that he failed to arrest perpetrators of previous acts of violence in Ikire while allegedly providing police protection to political thugs.
The party said the latest incident had further heightened concerns over the safety of residents in Irewole Local Government and called for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
It therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police and the Police Service Commission to order the immediate arrest and investigation of the DPO.
According to Akande, “Mr. Olatona’s actions today have crossed every acceptable boundary of human decency and professional ethics, proving beyond doubt that he is entirely unfit to hold command or wear the uniform.”
The Accord chairman also demanded that the police officer undergo psychological evaluation and, if found culpable, be dismissed and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“He must be investigated thoroughly and brought to book to face the full weight of the law for murder and abuse of office,” Akande said.
The party urged the police authorities to ensure a transparent investigation into the incident and to hold anyone found responsible accountable.
“Let this serve as a clear, signal that partisan, compromised, and violent officers will no longer be allowed to turn their weapons against the very citizens they are sworn to protect,” Akande said.