The lawmaker representing Ipokia/Idiroko State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Otunba Bisi Oyedele, popularly known as CITISIDE, has condemned the reported killing of Mr. Owolabi Oniyiku at Iyana Akinde Afuye, along the Ifonyintedo Road, allegedly by personnel of the Nigeria Police Border Patrol Team.
Oyedele, who made his position known in a statement, described the incident as deeply disturbing, saying the circumstances surrounding Oniyiku’s death must be thoroughly investigated to establish the facts and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
The lawmaker said the incident could not be treated as another unfortunate occurrence, particularly against the backdrop of what he described as longstanding concerns by residents of border communities over the proliferation of security checkpoints, harassment, intimidation and alleged unprofessional conduct by security personnel.
He recalled that he had previously moved a motion on the floor of the Ogun State House of Assembly calling for the reduction of excessive security checkpoints along the Idiroko-Owode Road and other border corridors, as well as a review of the activities of security operatives along the routes.
According to him, the motion was not motivated by political considerations but was a direct response to the concerns of his constituents and a warning about the dangers associated with excessive and uncoordinated security operations on the roads.
Oyedele noted that while security checkpoints remained necessary for protecting lives and property, excessive stops and questioning of legitimate road users could create unnecessary tension and lead to altercations.
He questioned whether security operations that create fear and expose innocent citizens to unnecessary risks could genuinely be regarded as effective protection.
“Security must never become a threat to the very people it is meant to protect. No security operation should be conducted in a manner that places the lives of innocent citizens at unnecessary risk,” he said.
The lawmaker therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to order an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Oniyiku’s death, stressing that the bereaved family and the community deserved justice.
Oyedele further alleged that the incident was the third case of extrajudicial killing involving police personnel in his constituency since 2023.
He recalled the reported killing of Adeleye Eniola of Mayigi Community High School, Ilashe, as one of the previous incidents that had generated concerns among residents.
He urged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, to critically examine the recurring allegations and take concrete measures to prevent further loss of lives.
The lawmaker also condemned the reported burning of the police station following the incident, saying that while public anger might be understandable, violence and destruction of property were unacceptable and could worsen an already tense situation.
He appealed to youths and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and resist any action capable of leading to further loss of lives or destruction of property.
Oyedele also urged security authorities to engage affected communities and address legitimate grievances, stressing that sustainable peace could only be achieved through accountability, dialogue, justice and mutual respect.
He reaffirmed his commitment to speaking against practices and actions that undermine the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of his constituents.
“Our people deserve security, not fear; protection, not harassment; justice, not silence or excuses. The circumstances surrounding the death of Owolabi Oniyiku must be investigated and the truth must be made public,” he said.
The lawmaker maintained that residents of the border communities should be able to go about their legitimate activities without fear, while security agencies must discharge their responsibilities professionally and in accordance with the law.
