CSO raises alarm over rising pre-election violence in Osun

A Civil Society Organisation in Osun, Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, has expressed concern over increasing violence, intimidation and insecurity in Osun State ahead of the 15 August 2026 governorship election, urging stakeholders to take urgent steps to prevent further escalation.

The organisation made the call during a press conference, on Thursday 

It warned that elections should remain a peaceful civic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders rather than occasions for conflict and bloodshed.

KDI said its ongoing pre-election observation and violence monitoring activities documented 44 election-related violent incidents across the state between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in 13 recorded deaths, several injuries and destruction of property.

According to the Executive Director of the organisation, Bukola Idowu, “an additional 24 non-election-related violent incidents recorded during the same period led to 23 fatalities, indicating that the election is taking place within a broader security environment that requires careful management.”

The group noted that 26 of the 44 verified election-related incidents occurred in May and June 2026 alone, representing 59.1 per cent of all recorded cases. 

He described the trend as a significant early warning signal requiring immediate preventive action.

KDI stated that its Election Security Risk Assessment analysis showed that violence in the state was manifesting through shootings, physical assaults, verbal threats, crowd intimidation, property destruction and confrontations around politically sensitive locations.

It identified Osogbo Local Government Area, particularly Olaiya, Oke Fia and Aregbe, as having the highest concentration of election-related incidents, while reports from Owode Ede and other communities had also raised concerns over voter confidence and public safety.

The organisation also condemned the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, who was reportedly fatally wounded during a violent incident in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, on 21 June 2026.

“The death of this young citizen is a painful reminder that unchecked political and communal violence leaves irreversible consequences on families, communities, and the democratic process itself,” the statement said. 

KDI called for a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and other reported acts of violence.

As part of efforts to address growing tensions, KDI announced the establishment of the Osun State Peace and Mediation Working Committee, a multi-stakeholder platform designed to support dialogue, mediation, confidence-building and preventive engagement before, during and after the election.

The organisation explained that the committee would work with political actors, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to promote peace and reduce the risk of escalation.

KDI urged political parties to commit to peaceful campaigns, called on security agencies to deploy intelligence-led preventive measures and investigate all reported incidents, and advised INEC, community leaders, the media and citizens to play active roles in safeguarding peace. 

“The lives of Osun citizens matter. The credibility of the election matters. The peace of communities matters,” the organisation stated.

KDI also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peaceful, credible and secure elections in Osun State and across Nigeria.