The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has expressed grave concern over the rising wave of violence, intimidation, and insecurity gripping Osun State as political activities heat up ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election. The civil society organization emphasized that no political ambition or party interest is worth the life, dignity, or safety of any citizen, reminding stakeholders that elections are civic processes meant for free choice and democratic renewal, not war.
In a comprehensive statement released on June 25, 2026, KDI called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and traditional institutions to take immediate, coordinated steps to de-escalate brewing tensions.
Data Shows Sharp Spike in Pre-Election Casualties
Through its ongoing pre-election observation and violence monitoring activities, KDI documented 44 election-related violent incidents across Osun State between October 2025 and June 2026. These clashes have resulted in 13 recorded fatalities, multiple injuries, and widespread destruction of property. Alarmingly, the data reveals a rapid escalation in recent weeks, with 26 of the 44 verified incidents occurring in May and June 2026 alone accounting for 59.1% of all election-related violence.
According to KDI’s Election Security Risk Assessment (ESRA), this violence is manifesting through targeted property damage, shootings, physical assaults, and localized crowd intimidation. Osogbo Local Government Area, particularly around Olaiya, Oke Fia, and Aregbe, currently records the highest concentration of these clashes, while recurring reports of gunfire and intimidation in Owode Ede continue to threaten voter confidence.
Tragic Killing of 14-Year-Old Prompts Call for Justice
The escalating lawlessness took a tragic turn on June 21, 2026, when a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, was fatally wounded during a violent outbreak in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area. KDI condemned the killing in the strongest terms, noting that unchecked political and communal violence leaves irreversible scars on families and communities.
“The death of this young citizen is a painful reminder that unchecked political and communal violence leaves irreversible consequences on families, communities, and the democratic process itself,” stated Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of KDI. “KDI calls for a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident and all other reported acts of violence, with those responsible held accountable in accordance with the law.”
Peace and Mediation Committee Established to Intervene
In a direct response to these early warning signals, KDI has established the Osun State Peace and Mediation Working Committee (SPMWC). The multi-stakeholder peacebuilding platform is designed to facilitate dialogue, mediation, and confidence-building among political actors, security agencies, youth groups, and community leaders before, during, and after the polls.
KDI clarified that the SPMWC does not replace the statutory responsibilities of INEC or security agencies, but serves as a complementary civic infrastructure to support non-violent conflict resolution. The organization urged political leaders and security agencies not to wait for lives to be lost or for relationships to completely break down before choosing the path of dialogue.
Stakeholders Urged to Take Immediate Preventive Action
To avert a full-blown crisis, KDI issued specific calls to action across the political and civic spectrum. Political parties and candidates must publicly commit to issue-based campaigns and enforce strict internal discipline among their supporters. Security agencies were urged to deploy intelligence-led, proportionate measures to identified hotspots and impartially prosecute perpetrators of violence regardless of their political affiliation.
Furthermore, INEC must intensify voter education on electoral offenses and work closely with security bodies to ensure vulnerable demographics can vote without fear. KDI also challenged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to use their platforms responsibly urging influencers and journalists to verify facts and resist becoming tools for partisan misinformation, hate speech, or incitement. Citizens were ultimately advised to reject financial inducements for violence and demand that leaders earn votes through credibility rather than fear.
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