A civil society organisation, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), has expressed concern over the increasing cases of violence, intimidation and insecurity in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The organisation raised the alarm during a press conference on Thursday, warning that elections should serve as a peaceful democratic process rather than a trigger for violence and loss of lives.
KDI disclosed that findings from its pre-election observation and violence monitoring activities revealed 44 election-related violent incidents across the state between October 2025 and June 2026.
According to the organisation, the incidents resulted in 13 deaths, several injuries and damage to property.
Speaking at the briefing, KDI Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, said the organisation also documented 24 non-election-related violent incidents within the same period, which reportedly claimed 23 lives.
He noted that the figures indicate that the forthcoming governorship election is taking place within a challenging security environment that requires careful handling by all stakeholders.
Idowu further revealed that 26 of the 44 verified election-related incidents occurred in May and June 2026 alone, accounting for more than half of all recorded cases.
He described the development as an early warning sign that demands urgent intervention to prevent further escalation.
The organisation stated that its Election Security Risk Assessment identified shootings, assaults, threats, intimidation, destruction of property and clashes around politically sensitive locations as some of the major forms of violence being recorded across the state.
KDI noted that Osogbo Local Government Area, particularly Olaiya, Oke Fia and Aregbe, recorded the highest number of election-related incidents. It added that reports from Owode-Ede and other communities have also raised concerns about public safety and voter confidence.
The organisation also expressed concern over the death of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, who reportedly lost his life during a violent incident in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, on June 21, 2026.
KDI described the incident as a painful reminder of the devastating impact of political and communal violence on families, communities and the democratic process.
The group called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the killing and other reported incidents of violence across the state.
As part of measures aimed at promoting peace, KDI announced the establishment of the Osun State Peace and Mediation Working Committee.
According to the organisation, the committee will serve as a platform for dialogue, mediation, confidence-building and conflict prevention before, during and after the governorship election.
The body is expected to work closely with political parties, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, civil society organisations and other community stakeholders.
KDI urged political actors to conduct peaceful campaigns, called on security agencies to strengthen preventive measures and investigate reported incidents, and encouraged citizens, community leaders, the media and electoral stakeholders to contribute to sustaining peace in the state.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peaceful, credible and secure elections in Osun State and across the country.