Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has appealed for calm and restraint following the attempted murder of Comrade Alowonle Iyanda, Chairman of the Osun State Motor Transport System.
The chairman was reportedly shot in the abdomen by Moses Lohor, Head of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Osun State, during his detention at a police station in Osogbo.
The Governor, in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the State Governor, condemned the act and urged transport workers across the state to avoid retaliatory actions, assuring them that justice would be served.
“I call on Osun transport workers to maintain peace and not take laws into their own hands. I have acted on this sad incident. I spoke with the Police Chief and held a closed-door meeting with the Commissioner of Police. Justice will be served,” Adeleke said.
The Governor further stated, “We will not allow agents of violence to destroy the peace and stability of our dear state. Do not be provoked to violence. Go about your normal duties while we handle this serious threat to the peace of our state.”
Immediate Action by the IGP
In response to the shooting, the Inspector General of Police has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of Moses Lohor and his team. This was confirmed by Samuel Ojo, Esq., Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, after a private meeting between Governor Adeleke and the Osun State Commissioner of Police.
According to Mr. Ojo, the shooting incident occurred at a police station after Mr. Alowonle was taken into custody over a domestic dispute with a neighbor. The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen, is currently on life support at the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
Describing the incident, Mr. Ojo said, “The police authorities at the highest level have acted decisively on this matter. A clear punitive directive was issued by the IG. Mr. Governor has directed us to follow up to ensure that justice is served.”
He added that the conduct of Moses Lohor and his team was deemed “unprofessional, illegal, unauthorized, and against operational codes,” noting that they were set to be transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
Justice Assured
Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring justice for all.
He urged residents to continue their daily activities without fear or retaliation, assuring them that the government and law enforcement agencies were working tirelessly to address the incident.
