Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday blamed the increasing spate of violent clashes in the state on poor handling of the matter by the security agencies.
The party identified alleged nonchalant attitude of security agencies in curbing the activities of a group called “State Boys” as the remote cause of violence in the state.
Reacting to the clashes involving some secondary schools in Osogbo on Monday, through a statement signed by Prince Diran Odeyemi, the director of media and strategy of the party, the PDP said despite raising concerns over alleged stockpiling of arms and ammunition to youths ahead of the last August 9 election, no concrete step was taken to disarm the group by security agencies in the state.
The party added that Governor Aregbesola was neither cautioned nor queried by security agents, even when members of the “State Boys” were on the loose disrupting the peace of the state.
“Despite the nefarious activities of members of “State Boys”, Ogbeni Aregbesola has not stopped acknowledging them at public functions. We are of the opinion that many of the boys causing unrest in public schools at the moment are members of the group of urchins called State Boys.
“It is sad that public schools under the watch of the present administration are becoming dens for criminals and political thugs. We are particularly displeased that the future of this state is being toyed with.
“While we urge the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the handling of the activities of the group called “State Boys” and level of involvement of Ogbeni Aregbesola, we advise parents to talk to their wards that are members of the criminal group to renounce their membership and embrace peace,” the statement said.
