CDHR Condemns Political, Extrajudicial Killings In Osun, Calls For Immediate End To Violence Ahead Of August 15 Election

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) strongly condemns the disturbing spate of politically motivated killings, violence and attacks reported across Osun State ahead of the Saturday, 15 August 2026 Governorship Election.

Yinka Folarin and Adewumi Adesina, president and publicity secretary respectively in a statement issued on Thursday said ; “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.”

Continuing, the statement added that:” 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 is investigating 30 cases of alleged politically motivated killings in Osun State ahead of the election, with some suspects arrested and charged to court.

“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.

“CDHR is 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 are 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.

“Majority of those who send you to commit violence have already relocated and secure the safety of their own families abroad. Those who are yet to relocate their families abroad would have them in a very secured atmosphere, while leaving you behind to face arrest, prosecution, injury, death or a lifetime of regret.”

CDHR warned: “Do not allow anyone’s political ambition to turn you into an instrument of destruction.Young and the talakawas, the downtrodden must also remember that today’s political enemies may become tomorrow’s political allies.

“Politicians who encourage their followers to fight and kill one another today may sit together tomorrow in pursuit of another political arrangement or shared interest. Do not die for somebody else’s political ambition.”

CDHR further calls 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 partiall responses by security agencies.

The state must not fight unlawful killing with kids 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 though 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 electorates, 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.

CDHR, as an accredited domestic election observer, will continue to monitor developments and document human rights and electoral concerns in accordance with its mandate. We urge all stakeholders to respect the right of citizens to vote freely, safely and without intimidation.

“Democracy can only thrive where the rule of law, human rights and human dignity constitute its cornerstone. An election is a contest for public service, not a declaration of war.

“Let us therefore choose peace over violence, life over political ambition, and democracy over destruction.Osun State belongs you all. Do not destroy the state in quest to govern it.”

SIGNED:Comr. ‘Yinka FolarinNational President, CDHR08026578285Comr. Adewunmi AdesinaNational Publicity Secretary, CDHR08033304605