Osun: 'Accord thugs' shoot APC member; 'APC thugs' kidnap two

The stakes are high for Taofeek Mustapha, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was shot by suspected thugs allegedly loyal to the Accord Party in Osun State. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, is a stark reminder of the escalating political tensions in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election. As the election draws closer, reports of violence and intimidation are on the rise, leaving many residents living in fear.

According to the Osun State police command, Taofeek Mustapha was shot in the leg by suspected thugs who arrived in an unmarked vehicle. The incident was reportedly witnessed by Sola Hammed, a resident of Oluode-Aranyin, who disclosed that the hoodlums started shooting sporadically into the air, forcing everyone to scamper for safety. The police have confirmed the incident and have commenced an investigation. Meanwhile, two residents of Ilesa who were kidnapped by suspected APC thugs have been rescued.

The numbers behind the violence are alarming. In the past few weeks, there have been reports of at least three incidents of violence, including the shooting of Taofeek Mustapha and the kidnapping of two residents of Ilesa. The police have also confirmed that they have arrested several suspects in connection with the violence. However, the question remains: what is being done to prevent further incidents and ensure a peaceful election?

The politics of violence in Osun State is complex and multifaceted. As the election draws closer, politicians are becoming increasingly desperate, using every tactic in the book to gain an advantage. The use of thugs and intimidation tactics is a classic example of this desperation. However, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned politicians to stop harbouring suspected criminals, saying that they will not be allowed to set the state on fire.

The politics of violence in Osun State is also linked to the broader national conversation on electoral violence. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of electoral violence, including the infamous Rivers State governorship election in 2019. The Osun State election is seen as a critical test case for the country's electoral system, and the violence is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.

The violence in Osun State is a tipping point for the country's electoral system. If left unchecked, it could lead to a repeat of the 2019 Rivers State governorship election, where electoral violence resulted in the deaths of several people. The Inspector General of Police has directed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to embark on a show of strength and raid criminal hideouts in a bid to flush suspected criminals out of the state ahead of the election.

In the coming days, the situation in Osun State will be closely watched by observers and stakeholders. The question remains: what will happen next? Will the police be able to prevent further incidents of violence, or will the situation continue to escalate?As I write this, I am reminded of the words of Adegoke Fayoade, the DIG southwest, who spoke at a stakeholders' meeting involving INEC, political parties, head of security agencies, religious groups, and the media. He said, "Criminals will not be allowed to set the state on fire." It remains to be seen whether this warning will be heeded, and whether the Osun State election will be a peaceful one.