The Osun State Government has issued a fiery response following the shocking arson attack on Courtroom 2 at the Ilesa High Court, promising immediate reconstruction and a sweeping security overhaul. In a bold stance, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, declared that the perpetrators “will not escape justice,” emphasizing the government’s resolve to end a troubling pattern of attacks on judicial infrastructure.
Court Set Ablaze, Government Springs Into Action
During an on-site inspection of the charred courthouse on Tuesday, Jimi-Bada, accompanied by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Dosu Babatunde, condemned the incident in strong terms. The inspection followed a wave of bipartisan outrage, with Governor Ademola Adeleke and leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) united in condemning the act.
“This isn’t the first time this court has been targeted,” Jimi-Bada lamented. In 2017, a similar attack happened. Just last year, thieves stole electric cables from this very court. Enough is enough.”
No More Excuses, Government to Bypass Bureaucratic Delays
Highlighting bureaucratic lapses that delayed previous renovations, the Justice Commissioner clarified that the state government would no longer wait for the judiciary to initiate memos or funding requests.
“We’re moving forward with or without a memo. We’ve already brought engineers from the Ministry of Works, and the rebuilding process will start immediately,” he affirmed.
Jimi-Bada revealed that although budgetary provisions had been made in the judiciary’s running costs, the absence of on-ground security made the court vulnerable to repeated attacks. “That changes now,” he declared.
Tightened Security and Long-Term Solutions in the Works
Security, he stressed, will be a top priority going forward. Plans are already underway to fortify the court with enhanced security personnel and infrastructure, including temporary use of solar power systems until damaged electric cables are replaced.
“We can’t allow judges to work in fear or abandon their courts. This building will be rebuilt, and it will be protected,” Jimi-Bada assured.
Justice Will Prevail
In his final remarks, the Attorney General expressed confidence that those responsible for the arson will be brought to justice soon.
“What they’ve done is more than criminal; it’s barbaric. But justice is not blind, and it will catch up with them. It’s only a matter of time,” he said.
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