Ikire Killings: Osun Accord Demands Arrest and Prosecution of Irewole DPO, Bamidele Olatona

The Accord, Osun state chapter, has vehemently condemned the utterly barbaric, unprofessional, and unprovoked shooting incident at the Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire earlier today, which resulted in the tragic deaths of a commercial bus driver, Saheed Akinrole, and an innocent passenger. 

Eyewitness accounts confirm that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Irewole Division, Mr. Bamidele Olatona, personally stormed the public garage and opened fire sporadically into a crowd of unarmed civilians. 

There was no crisis or conflict at the said park. There was no take over bid by any group. The normal park operation was ongoing when the DPO launched the attacks.

Such reckless, bloodthirsty, and animalistic behavior from a senior law enforcement officer tasked with protecting lives is an absolute disgrace to the Nigeria Police Force and strongly suggests an officer who lacks the mental stability and emotional balance required to carry a firearm.

This lethal outrage is only the latest in a long, horrific pattern of partisan brutality and systemic failure that has defined Mr. Olatona’s tenure in Irewole. 

The people of Ikire have not forgotten his shameful conduct during the pre-election and election periods, during which he functioned less as a public servant and more as an armed enforcement wing for political interests. 

Despite the widespread violence and loss of life that plagued Ikire prior to the polls, Mr. Olatona consistently failed to make a single arrest of known perpetrators.

Instead, he openly harbored partisan thugs and provided official police escorts while they wrecked havoc and terrorized peaceful residents across our communities.

The continued presence of an unhinged, heavily armed officer operating with complete impunity poses an immediate and dangerous threat to public safety in Irewole Local Government. 

Mr. Olatona's actions today have crossed every acceptable boundary of human decency and professional ethics, proving beyond doubt that he is entirely unfit to hold command or wear the uniform. 

A police force meant to uphold justice cannot be left in the hands of an individual whose conduct reflects unchecked aggression, extreme bias, and a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life.

We hereby call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, and the Police Service Commission to take immediate action by ordering the prompt arrest, psychological evaluation, dismissal, and criminal prosecution of DPO Bamidele Olatona. 

He must be investigated thoroughly and brought to book to face the full weight of the law for murder and abuse of office. 

Let this serve as a clear, uncompromising signal that partisan, compromised, and violent officers will no longer be allowed to turn their weapons against the very citizens they are sworn to protect.

Signed:

Pastor Victor Akande,

State Chairman,

Osun State Accord.