A large crowd of women stormed the major streets of Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Monday, protesting alleged police intimidation, political violence and killings in the state, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The protesters carried various placards, singing solidarity songs and shouting at the top of their voices, rejecting political violence and killings taking place in the state.

Some of the inscriptions on their placards included, “Stop Electoral Violence,” “We Want Ballots, Not Bullets,” “Election Is Not War,” “Vote, Don’t Fight,” and “Stop the Killings in Osun.

Speaking during the protest, one of the leaders simply identified as Eniola condemned the violence associated with the political activities ahead of the election, stressing that political disagreements should never be used to justify killings, intimidation, or destruction.

“Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters must not become casualties of political ambition. Elections come and go, but human lives cannot be replaced,” she said.

The women appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they described as a growing threat to the safety and security of residents of Osun State.

The protesters also demanded the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, alleging perceived partisanship.

The women urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect citizens regardless of their political affiliations, noting that the police must ensure equal protection for political parties, candidates and their supporters.

According to them, all reported cases of violence and unlawful conduct should be investigated and appropriate legal actions taken against the culprits.

The protesters maintained that residents of Osun State should be able to approach their polling units, cast their votes freely and return home safely without intimidation or fear of violence. (Channels)