A new security assessment has revealed that no fewer than 73 election-related violent incidents resulting in 29 deaths have been recorded ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The findings were contained in a pre-election security risk assessment conducted by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and presented in Abuja.
According to the report, Osogbo recorded the highest number of incidents, accounting for 22 cases and 15 fatalities, making it the most volatile area in the state ahead of the poll.
The assessment identified about 12 local government areas as high-risk locations requiring targeted security interventions and political engagement to prevent further violence.
The report noted that 54 of the 73 incidents occurred between May and July 2026, a period that coincided with heightened political campaigns and electoral activities.
Forms of violence recorded included shootings, killings, assaults, intimidation, kidnappings, destruction of property and verbal attacks.
Other areas highlighted as experiencing significant electoral pressure include Ede South, Ede North, Egbedore, Iwo, Irewole, Ayedaade, Obokun, Oriade, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Ife North and Olorunda.
KDI Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, expressed concern over what he described as the strategic pattern of violence, warning that concentrated incidents in a few locations could undermine the integrity of the election if not properly addressed.
A member of the KDI election data room faculty, Professor Ernest Ereke, linked the rise in electoral violence to broader socio-economic and political factors, noting that incidents had increased significantly compared to previous election cycles.
The report recommended stronger collaboration among INEC, security agencies, political parties, traditional institutions, civil society groups and the media to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
It also called for early deployment of election materials and security personnel, improved logistics planning and real-time monitoring to reduce risks before and during the election.
