The Oyo State Police Command has assured the members of the public of a thorough investigation into the recent political violence at Agbaje Market in Ibadan, following an engagement with representatives of political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Recall that Corefront News reported that Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, alerted security agencies to an attack by unknown gunmen on his campaign convoy at Agbaje Market in Ibadan North-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Command’s meeting with the political stakeholders was not unconnected to the incident which occurred on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Friday, the meeting provided an opportunity for the Police and political party representatives to discuss peaceful participation, mutual respect and compliance with the law.
During the engagement, political stakeholders commended the Command’s proactive approach to political security and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. They urged the police to ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The political stakeholders also pledged their cooperation with the Police to maintain peace and security throughout the electioneering period.
In a similar development, a delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) women’s caucus, led by the party’s Women Leader, Dr. Adekemi Opatunde, visited the Police Headquarters to commend the Command’s approach to political security.
The delegation also pledged to collaborate with the police to ensure peaceful political activities ahead of the elections.
Receiving the delegation, the Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s commitment to working with all political parties and their supporters without prejudice. He urged political leaders to inform the Police of planned activities to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent a recurrence of the violence witnessed at Agbaje Market.
The Commissioner further assured the delegation and the public that the Command would investigate the Agbaje incident, identify those involved, and ensure that anyone found culpable is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He said the investigation would be guided by professionalism, fairness and respect for the rule of law.
The Command urged political leaders, party candidates and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully, avoid inflammatory statements, and inform the police of planned political gatherings to facilitate adequate security arrangements.
The Police reaffirmed their commitment to impartiality and the protection of lives and property, urging political stakeholders to make peaceful participation a shared responsibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.