Six days to Osun election: 18 ‘killed’ as fears of more violence mount

Osun State is on edge just six days before its governorship election, as fears of widespread violence intensify. The state has already witnessed a series of violent incidents, with the two main opposition parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party, claiming a combined total of 18 members have been killed in the run-up to the August 15 poll.

These fatalities, alongside numerous other violent clashes, attacks on campaign convoys, shootings, and alleged assassination attempts, have heightened concerns for the safety of voters, party supporters, and election officials. Both the APC and Accord Party have traded accusations, blaming each other for the deaths and the escalating political tensions.

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The development has heightened concerns over the safety of voters, political parties and election officials as the state prepares for the governorship election, with the deployment of 15,000 policemen generating divergent reactions among political parties and civil society organisations.

The deployment of 15,000 police officers to maintain order has become a point of contention, drawing divergent reactions from political parties and civil society organizations. While the increased security presence is intended to ensure a peaceful election, its scale and the ongoing accusations of violence cast a shadow over the process.

Reports from organizations like Kimpact Development Initiative indicate a significant number of election-related violent incidents, though the exact death toll remains contested between the parties. The allegations of reprisal attacks and further violence loom large as the election date approaches, creating an atmosphere of anxiety in Osun State.

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While the APC campaign council alleged that 10 of its members had been killed during the electioneering period, the Accord Party said eight of its people had also lost their lives.