Osun: Babayemi Visits Journalist Shot By Police, Calls For Investigation

Omooba Dotun Babayemi,a leading figure in the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the weekend, visited The Nation’s Correspondent,Mr Toba Adedeji, who was hit by the Police bullet during a protest in Osogbo.

Babayemi who visited the recuperating journalist at his residence in Osogbo, called on the state government and the Police authorities to probe the incident that led to the shooting of The Nation’s Correspondent in the state.

Toba and two others are believed to have been hit by Police bullets during a protest said to have been organized by some youths around Olaiya Junction in Osogbo on Tuesday.

But Babayemi while on a get-well-soon visit to the victim at his residence in Osogbo on Saturday, described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.

“I want to deeply sympathize with you (Toba) and two other victims said to have been affected but who we are still unable to reach.Seriously,we believe that this ugly path of victimage is avoidable and it’s recurrence is becoming unbecoming” he bemoaned

Babayemi maintained that journalists were no criminals, urging that the system should evolve a mechanism that would see them and other professionals protected, “especially when on lawful duties”

Also, he advocated that a package could be in place for journalists and other professionals by the government to cushion the effects of degradation they often suffer as hazards while on duty.

Equally, Babayemi said there was need for the Police and other related security agencies to be reorientated on civil engagements particularly during riotous situations.

While appreciating the state Commissioner of Police,Mr Olawale Olokode on his efforts at ensuring that peace exists in the state,he equally admonished that personnel need to exercise caution in dealing with the public.

“To this end, I want the state government to put in place, a powerful panel to look into the matter, punish whoever is found culpable and make recommendations on how such ugly path can be avoided in future” he said.

Responding,Mr Adedeji while thanking Babayemi for the visit,said he was overwhelmed because he never thought he could play host to caliber of the PDP stalwart at his residence.

The Nation’s Correspondent who narrated how the incident happened, said the shooting incident by the Police was needless because according to him,”the protesters were few and with just ordinary stick, they could be dispersed. Instead, the Police resorted to shooting”