The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has condemned the politically motivated killings in Osun State, and is calling for an immediate end to the carnage ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
CDHR in a statement jointly signed by its national president, Comrade Yinka Folarin and national publicity secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, charged security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate all reported killings impartially and arrest those reasonably suspected of involvement.
The statement reads, “As a foremost human rights organisation and one of the accredited domestic election observer groups for the Osun Governorship Election, CDHR is deeply concerned by the apparent erosion of the sanctity of human life and the disturbing manner in which the right to life is being traded for political interests. No political ambition, electoral victory or personal interest can justify the killing of another human being.
“The scale of the situation is particularly alarming. The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it’s investigating 30 cases of alleged politically motivated killings in Osun State ahead of the election, with some suspects arrested and charged to court.”
According to the Committee, verifiable data indicated that 56 politically related violent incidents were recorded in Osun State within the preceding 12 months, resulting in 14 fatalities. “Significantly, 36 of those incidents occurred in May and June 2026 as political activities intensified, while Osogbo alone accounted for 23 incidents and nine of the recorded fatalities.
“These figures are not mere statistics. Every number represents a human being, a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, friend or member of a community whose life has been irreversibly lost.
“We’re therefore compelled to ask: Why are politicians killing the very people they seek to govern? Do they intend to govern only graves? Is any political office worth the blood of innocent Nigerians?
“We call on all political parties, candidates, political leaders and their supporters to immediately desist from inflammatory rhetoric, incitement, intimidation, sponsorship of thuggery and every action capable of triggering violence. Political competition must never become a licence to destroy lives and communities.
“We’re particularly concerned about the increasing recruitment and exploitation of young people as instruments of political violence. We urge our youths to rethink before accepting money, weapons or instructions to kill or maim on behalf of politicians.”
CDHR, while appealing to youths to desist from being used as thugs, noted that the majority of those who send them to commit violence have already relocated and secured the safety of their own families abroad.
CDHR further called on the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, and relevant authorities to investigate all reported killings impartially, arrest those reasonably suspected of involvement, and ensure that perpetrators and sponsors, irrespective of political affiliation or status, are brought before the courts in accordance with the law.
“We equally caution against partial responses by security agencies. The state mustn’t fight unlawful killing with a kid’s glove. Every suspect must be accorded due process and the right to a fair hearing, while the sanctity of life and the rule of law must remain paramount.
“The Inspector-General of Police has already directed an end to political killings and violence in Osun, while the police have warned that the election is not a war. CDHR urges all security agencies to translate these assurances into effective, impartial and professional action before, during and after the election.
“We therefore call on all electorate, political parties, candidates, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, community leaders and residents of Osun State to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.”
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