We’ll Bring Perpetrators Of Violence To Book-Ajimobi,Police

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, yesterday, condemned the pockets of violence that characterized Saturday’s election, which led to the death of a member of the house of representatives, Mr. Temitope Olatoye, and others, as highly depressing and regrettable.

Olatoye, who died at the intensive care unit of the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, on Saturday, following a gunshot wound he sustained was the serving reps member, representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal constituency.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the governor said he was saddened by the turn of events, which he said was antithetical to the pervading peace in the state.

Ajimobi said: “I’m greatly saddened by the pockets of violence that attended yesterday’s (Saturday) election; although the circumstances surrounding the violence and loss of lives are still hazy. It is heartrending that Hon Olatoye and others had to die because of election.

“Nobody’s ambition should be worth the blood or life of any citizen. I’m, therefore, appalled that some unscrupulous politicians and their followers have turned this contest into a do-or-die affair, which is alien to democratic norms in saner climes.

“We struggled hard for this democracy, and for it to be entrenched we must eschew every act of bitterness, desperation and foul play during elections. In life, you win some contests and you lose some. If we imbibe this philosophy, we will take every victory and defeat with equal measure of equanimity.

“I have been in regular touch with all the security agencies since yesterday and they have assured me that the situation had been brought under control. May I use this opportunity to implore them to redouble their efforts and ensure the safety of lives and property going forward.”

…Police assure perpetrators’ll be brought to book

In the same vein, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, disclosed that the Criminal Investigative Department, CID, Iyaganku, Ibadan was investigating the killing to unravel the mystery behind it.

Fadeyi said: “As at now, no arrest has been made, but the CID has taken over the case and they are working in compliance with the directive of the IGP that those perpetrators should be immediately arrested. They have swung into action to make sure that they arrest all the perpetrators.

“The state Commissioner of Police was even on air and stated categorically that it was purely a murder case and the CID is investigating to unravel the mystery behind the killing. “The police are on the trail of all the miscreants and they will soon arrest all of them.”