Former Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Dr Oluwatoyin Emmanuel Taiwo has condemned the killing of an innocent citizen of ifonyintedo, Mr Owolabi Oniyiku by policemen at a checkpoint in Ogun State.
Taiwo who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, in the 2027 general elections made the condemnation in a statement on Saturday.
Mr Owolabi Oniyiku was allegedly killed by policemen manning a checkpoint along the Atan-Ita/Ifonyintedo axis of Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Taiwo condemned the killing, describing the development as “condemnable and very sad”.
He called for an urgent, transparent, and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Oniyiku was reportedly shot at a police checkpoint, an incident that subsequently triggered tension in the community and the reported burning of two police stations by youths.
While condemning the alleged killing, Taiwo also condemned the destruction of police facilities, stressing that neither alleged abuse of power nor public anger should be allowed to result in further loss of lives or destruction of property.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to immediately get to the root of the matter, identify the officers involved and take appropriate action where wrongdoing is established.
“The circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Owolabi Oniyiku must be thoroughly investigated and the truth established.
“If any police officer is found to have acted unlawfully, such an officer must face the full force of the law,” Taiwo said.
He said justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, particularly against the backdrop of concerns among residents of border communities over alleged harassment and unprofessional conduct by some security personnel.
Taiwo urged the police authorities to review security checkpoints and operations along the Ipokia border corridors.
He noted that while such measures are necessary to protect lives and property, they must operate within the law and under clearly defined rules of engagement.
According to him, legitimate motorists, commercial motorcyclists and residents should be able to move freely without fear of unnecessary harassment, intimidation or extortion.
The APC candidate expressed concern over reports suggesting that the incident might not be isolated.
He said allegations of previous police-related killings in the area made it necessary for the authorities to examine whether there were systemic problems requiring immediate intervention.
He, however, appealed to youths and residents of Ifonyintedo and neighbouring communities to remain calm and resist actions capable of further escalating tension.
“Violence cannot be the answer to an alleged abuse of power, just as alleged misconduct by security personnel cannot be excused because of the difficult security environment in which they operate,” he said.
Taiwo sympathised with Oniyiku’s family, particularly his wife and newborn child, describing the circumstances surrounding his death as devastating.
He urged community leaders, traditional institutions, youth organisations and security agencies to work together to restore peace and confidence in the affected communities.
He also called on the police authorities to communicate clearly with the deceased’s family and the community on the progress and outcome of the investigation.
According to him, a credible investigation would not only provide justice for the deceased but also help restore public confidence and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Taiwo maintained that there must be no cover-up or impunity, stressing that security personnel who discharge their duties professionally must be protected, while anyone found to have violated the law must be held accountable.
“Mr. Oniyiku’s family deserves justice. The people of Ifonyintedo deserve answers, and the authorities must ensure that the truth is established,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to pursue justice through peaceful and constitutional means, while urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
Taiwo said the sanctity of human life must remain paramount and that residents of Ipokia should not have to live with the fear that an ordinary journey on their roads could become a matter of life and death.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
