The lawmaker representing Ipokia/Idiroko State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Otunba Bisi Oyedele, has called for a probe into the alleged killing of one Mr. Owolabi Oniyiku at Iyana Akinde Afuye, along Ifonyintedo Road by operatives of the Nigeria Police attached to Idiroko Border Patrol Team.

He also called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, to embark on a thorough investigation in order to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of the deceased and arrest the culprits.

Oyedele, who stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, recalled he moved a motion on the floor of the Assembly to reduce excessive security checkpoints along the Idiroko-Owode Road and other border corridors, as well as a review of the activities of security operatives along the routes.

He stressed that the incident was another unfortunate experience for residents of border communities over the proliferation of security checkpoints, harassment, intimidation and alleged unprofessional conduct by security personnel attached to the border town.

The lawmaker explained that the motion was not motivated by political considerations but was a direct response to the concerns of his constituents and a warning about the dangers associated with excessive and uncoordinated security operations on the roads.

He noted that, while security checkpoints remained necessary for protecting lives and property, excessive stops and questioning of legitimate road users could create unnecessary tension and lead to altercations.

Oyedele expressed worry over security operatives’ activities at the border town which, according to him, instill fears and expose innocent citizens to unnecessary risks.

“Security must never become a threat to the very people it is meant to protect. No security operation should be conducted in a manner that places the lives of innocent citizens at unnecessary risk,” he said.

The lawmaker therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to order an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Oniyiku’s death, stressing that his family and the community deserved justice.

He further alleged that the incident was the third case of extrajudicial killing involving police personnel in his constituency since 2023.

Oyedele recalled the reported killing of Adeleye Eniola of Mayigi Community High School, Ilashe, as one of the previous incidents that had generated concerns among residents.

He urged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to critically examine the recurring occurrence and take drastic steps to prevent further loss of lives of citizens, especially those at the border town.

The lawmaker also condemned the reported burning of the police station following the incident, saying that while public anger might be understandable, violence and destruction of property were unacceptable and could worsen an already tense situation.

He appealed to youths and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and resist any action capable of leading to further loss of lives or destruction of property.

Oyedele also urged security authorities to engage affected communities and address legitimate grievances, stressing that sustainable peace could only be achieved through accountability, dialogue, justice and mutual respect.

He reaffirmed his commitment to speaking against practices and actions that undermine the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of his constituents.

“Our people deserve security, not fear; protection, not harassment; justice, not silence or excuses. The circumstances surrounding the death of Owolabi Oniyiku must be investigated, and the truth must be made public,” he said.

The lawmaker maintained that residents of the border communities should be able to go about their legitimate activities without fear, while security agencies must discharge their responsibilities professionally and in accordance with the law. (The Guardian)

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