The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised concern over escalating political violence in Osun State, reporting that 16 people have died in election-related violence since September 2025, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The warning comes amid a tense political atmosphere in the state, where rival political camps have traded allegations of killings, intimidation and attacks as the August 15 poll approaches.
Recent reporting has documented several incidents, including shootings and killings in Osogbo, Esa-Oke, Ikire, Ijebu-Jesa and Ile-Ife. The Cable reported that civil society monitors had documented multiple election-related deaths and violent incidents during the campaign period.
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The Situation Room’s warning adds to growing concerns among electoral and security stakeholders that violence could discourage voters from turning out or undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Security agencies have consequently intensified preparations for the election. More than 15,000 police personnel are reportedly being deployed across Osun’s 30 local government areas, alongside additional security personnel, as authorities seek to prevent attacks, voter intimidation and other electoral offences.
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The rising violence has also prompted repeated calls from political leaders, civil society organisations and traditional authorities for restraint. The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has previously warned political actors that the election is “not a war”, stressing that unnecessary killings would not be tolerated.
With voters preparing to cast their ballots on Saturday, pressure is mounting on security agencies to maintain neutrality, protect citizens and ensure that political competition does not degenerate into further bloodshed.
The exact number of deaths remains subject to differing reports and verification. Other recent assessments cited by media outlets have put the toll considerably higher, underscoring the need for authoritative documentation of election-related casualties.
