Accord Condemns Police-Supported Attacks On Ede Supporters

The Osun State chapter of Accord condemns in strongest terms the brazen, and partisan attack by the police on citizens over landed property belonging to Ede North Local Government earlier today.

Reports from the scene indicate that tension began in the early hours of Thursday, around 5:00 a.m., at the Elerin area near Admus Filling Station in Ede North Local Government. The controversy arose when the illegally backed APC “Yes/No” Chairman, Hon. Elliot Adeyemi, reportedly moved to flag off a shopping complex project on the land, despite the fact that the Osun State Government had already delivered blocks to the site for its own use.

According to accounts from residents and observers, officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Ede North “A” Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Bamidele Ezekiel Sogo, were deployed to secure the land for the court-sacked APC Yes/No chairman. The move immediately drew the attention of residents of Ede who trooped out in large numbers to resist what they viewed as an attempt to usurp property belonging to the local government, and the state.

Members of the public who questioned the presence of tents erected by APC members at the site were informed that the setup was meant for a ceremony scheduled to take place as early as 5:00 a.m. However, the crowd insisted that if the police intended to disperse people from the location, both the public and APC members present should be treated equally to demonstrate neutrality.

Contrary to expectations, the police reportedly began tear-gassing the public while APC members allegedly took advantage of the situation to throw stones at the crowd. The action of the police created the impression that security operatives were providing cover for APC members, escalating tension and causing injuries to several individuals.

In another disturbing development, a motorcyclist who had parked his bike close to the area was reportedly attacked and beaten by an APC member identified as Mr. Sikiru Akinlade before other APC supporters joined in the assault. The victim was eventually rescued.

The situation later de-escalated after the traditional ruler of Ede, the Timi of Ede, intervened by sending his chiefs to the location to halt further confrontation between the parties.

Accord notes with serious concern that the conduct of officers from the Ede North “A” Division in this incident fell short of the professionalism expected of the Nigeria Police Force. Reports from the scene established that the DPO acted on what was described as “orders from above,” raising troubling questions about political interference in policing.

The Osun State chapter of Accord therefore condemns in the strongest terms the attacks on citizens who had gathered to defend what they believed to be public property belonging to their local government.

The land in question belongs to Ede North Local Government, and work on the site had previously commenced under the administration of the PDP chairman before it was halted by the “Yes/No” chairman. The attempt to re-flag another project on the same land naturally provoked resistance from the people of Ede, including market women, okada riders, farmers, and youths who felt compelled to protect what they consider a public asset.

Shockingly, during this peaceful protest, the police acted not as neutral protectors of public order but as enforcers of APC interests. Citizens were attacked with teargas and gunfire, resulting in injuries and widespread fear.

Accord calls on the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the conduct of the officers involved, ensure accountability for any abuse of power, and restore public confidence in policing in Osun State. Citizens must never be subjected to intimidation or violence for standing up for their rights and defending community property.