Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an investigation into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area, on August 24, 2026.
Adeleke, through an executive order taking effect on August 31, constituted a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence.
The panel is also expected to establish the identities and number of victims and determine whether any individual or group bears criminal responsibility for the deaths.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola will chair the panel, while Mr Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary.
Other members are former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aderanti Kayode; Mr Dele Akintayo, representing the Nigerian Bar Association; Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Babatunde Afolabi, the medical and forensic representative.
The panel has been mandated to examine the role played by security operatives in the incident and determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used.
It will also establish whether the use of such weapons complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
“It is also empowered to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose action or omission may have contributed to the incident,” the statement partly read.
The panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.
It will have the authority to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, and receive oral and documentary evidence.
The panel may also recommend measures to protect witnesses and other persons who may be at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
Governor Adeleke directed the preservation of firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials relevant to the investigation.
“The executive order further calls for appropriate measures to protect witnesses and victims’ families, obtain medical and forensic documentation, and maintain peace in Ikire pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police are formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative steps concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence,” the statement read.
The panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
The government has invited victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other concerned persons to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured the people of Ikire, the families of the deceased, the injured and the general public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
The executive order states that no person found culpable will be shielded from justice, regardless of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation.
It, however, emphasises that all allegations remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.
