The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has declined an invitation by the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gothan, insisting that it will not attend any meeting with the police until alleged killers and attackers of its members are apprehended.
The invitation, extended by the Osun State Police Command, was reportedly sent late Monday night, inviting the party’s state executive members to a meeting scheduled for Tuesday to review recent developments in the state. However, the party said no agenda was provided, raising suspicion over the purpose of the engagement.
In a response issued by the party, the Accord leadership described the proposed meeting as “an attempt for a photo opportunity on the pains and injuries of Accord members,” alleging that the police command had failed to act on repeated attacks against its members.
“Our members have suffered repeatedly due to negligence, criminal collusion, and unwillingness of law enforcement. We lost our youth leader in Ikire. Up till now, no single arrest has been made,” the party stated.
The party further alleged that its billboards were destroyed by suspected political thugs, while no arrests have been made despite reported incidents. It also claimed that members were attacked in broad daylight across the state capital and Ede, leaving seven people, mostly Accord supporters, seriously injured.
Accord also alleged that armed groups have continued to operate freely across parts of the state, claiming that security agencies have failed to take decisive action despite awareness of their activities.
In one of the most serious allegations, the party claimed that a 14-year-old supporter was killed in the presence of police officers by suspected attackers, adding that no arrests had been made as of the time of the statement.
“We therefore find it difficult to honour invitations from the police commissioner until he does the needful. We charge him to act professionally and enforce fair policing,” the party added.
The statement was signed by the State Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Pastor Victor Akande.
