By John Dike, Osogbo
Accord Party in Osun State has condemned what it described as a partisan attack by police officers on residents of Ede North Local Government Area over a disputed parcel of land belonging to the local council.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the state chairman of the party, Victor Babalola Akande, alleged that officers of the Nigeria Police Force supported an attempt by the “Yes/No” chairman of the council to commence a project on the land, leading to a clash with residents.
According to the statement, tension began around 5:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Elerin area near Admus Filling Station in Ede when the APC-backed “Yes/No” chairman of the council, Hon. Elliot Adeyemi, reportedly moved to flag off the construction of a shopping complex on the land.
The party claimed that the move generated controversy because the Osun State Government had earlier delivered building blocks to the same site, indicating plans to use the land for government purposes.
Accord alleged that officers from the Ede North “A” Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Bamidele Ezekiel Sogo, were deployed to secure the site for the chairman.
The presence of security personnel reportedly drew residents to the scene in large numbers as they attempted to resist what they believed was an attempt to take over public property belonging to the local government.
The party further claimed that members of the public who questioned tents erected at the location by APC supporters were informed that a ceremony had been scheduled to take place at the early hour.
According to eyewitness accounts cited in the statement, residents insisted that if the police intended to disperse the gathering, both members of the public and APC supporters present should be treated equally.
However, Accord alleged that the police began dispersing residents with teargas while APC supporters reportedly threw stones at the crowd, a situation that allegedly caused injuries and heightened tension in the area.
The statement also alleged that a motorcyclist who had parked his bike close to the scene was assaulted by an APC supporter identified as Mr. Sikiru Akinlade before other individuals reportedly joined in the attack.
The victim was later rescued.
The situation, however, calmed after the traditional ruler of Ede, the Timi of Ede, reportedly intervened by sending palace chiefs to the area to prevent further confrontation.
Accord expressed concern over what it described as unprofessional conduct by officers of the Ede North “A” Division, alleging that the Divisional Police Officer acted on “orders from above,” a development the party said raises concerns about political interference in policing.
The party insisted that the land belongs to Ede North Local Government and noted that work had previously begun on the site under the administration of the PDP chairman before it was halted by the “Yes/No” chairman.
It added that the attempt to re-flag another project on the same land sparked resistance from residents, including market women, motorcycle riders, farmers and youths who believed they were protecting public property.
Accord therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident, ensure accountability for any alleged abuse of power and restore public confidence in policing in Osun State.
The party also maintained that citizens should not face intimidation or violence for defending community property or exercising their civic rights.
