By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the administration of Ademola Adeleke of failing to protect public infrastructure, alleging that hoodlums are currently vandalising and looting water schemes across several communities in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the opposition party described the alleged plundering of water facilities as criminal, unpatriotic and a reflection of what it called the laxity of the state government.
According to the party, reports indicate that groups of hoodlums have been moving from one community to another, forcefully dismantling equipment installed at various water schemes constructed by previous administrations.
The APC alleged that the vandals often claim to be acting on behalf of the state government, a development that has created confusion among residents of affected communities.
The statement explained that the activities of the suspected vandals have in some cases led to confrontations with community members who attempted to prevent the removal of equipment from the facilities.
“Information at our disposal revealed that these hoodlums have formed themselves into organised groups invading water schemes in different communities and removing vital equipment from the sites,” the party said.
The APC further claimed that some residents initially allowed the vandals to operate because they believed the individuals were acting under government authority. However, in several communities, locals reportedly resisted the removal of equipment, leading to heated disagreements and near breakdown of law and order.
According to the party, communities such as Igangan-Ijesa, Iperindo and Osu in Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West local government areas recently confronted suspected vandals who allegedly attempted to dismantle components of the water schemes.
The opposition party also alleged that the looted parts are subsequently sold off, despite the projects being described as legacy investments established by previous state governments to provide potable water to rural communities.
The APC maintained that if the government intends to dispose of any public property, there are established procedures that must be followed.
“It is criminal for some miscreants to go around the state plundering public assets under the guise of acting for the government. There are laid down procedures for the disposal of government property, and any attempt to sell such property through the back door could trigger unrest,” the statement added.
The party also raised concerns over what it described as a pattern of questionable disposal of government assets, alleging that used vehicles belonging to some state-owned tertiary institutions had also been sold under unclear circumstances.
APC therefore called on security agencies to urgently investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice.
The party specifically urged the police and other security agencies in the state to expand their investigations, arrest the suspected vandals and prosecute the masterminds behind what it described as “an organised crime against the state.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
