Violence Erupts in Osun State Amid Political Tensions
Recent unrest in Osun State has drawn strong condemnation from Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Movement Council, following violent clashes that left approximately three individuals injured. The disturbances coincided with a political rally in Ile-Ife, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) organized a walk to promote their gubernatorial candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the upcoming August 15 elections.
Political Rally Sparks Unrest
The turmoil began with a rally that commenced around 9 a.m. in the Mayfair area of Ife, led by Abimbola Ajilesolo, the lawmaker representing multiple constituencies in the House of Representatives. Reports indicate that the violence was notably concentrated in the Sabo area, with allegations pointing to hoodlums targeting election posters of competing gubernatorial candidates.
Witness Accounts of the Clashes
Eyewitnesses provided accounts of the chaos, claiming that dangerous weapons were used during the clashes between groups affiliated with the APC and the Accord Party. As violence escalated, market-goers fled in all directions, attempting to evade the fighting.
Details of the Incidents
One local trader, known only as Usira, described the mayhem, stating that a motorcycle belonging to one of the assailants was seized and subsequently damaged. Witnesses reported that firearms and machetes were brandished as the groups clashed. The conflict was triggered when some hoodlums vandalized election posters during the APC’s victory walk in Sabo.
Subsequent Violence Spreads Through Osogbo
Following the initial clashes in Ile-Ife, gunfire erupted in various locations throughout Osogbo, including Aisu, Owode Ede, and the Aregbesola area. This violence has instilled fear among residents, with reports of injuries, including an elderly man who was promptly taken to Osun State University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Governor’s Response to the Violence
In a visit to the victims at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Governor Adeleke expressed concern over the systematic targeting of residents by pro-Ambo political thugs. He noted that the attackers had traversed multiple neighborhoods with impunity, raising serious questions about police inaction during the violence. The governor condemned the role of Maritime Minister Gboyega Oyetola and APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji in fueling these provocations, deeming them a threat to public order.
Opposing Perspectives on the Unrest
The Osun APC Electoral Council, however, accused Adeleke’s supporters of orchestrating the attacks against their members. In a statement, they detailed incidents of violence against their campaign, alleging that an APC-affiliated bus was vandalized by hoodlums associated with the PDP and Accord Party. The party called for an end to the criminalization of citizens’ electoral preferences and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to political differences.
Call for Investigations into Political Violence
In light of the escalating turmoil, the movement council extended condolences to affected residents and urged the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to address the rising tide of political violence in Osun State. Meanwhile, Oluwasun Abosede, a spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress, condemned the unrest, attributing it to suspected APC thugs and calling for immediate investigations to dispel perceptions of political bias from law enforcement. The police have acknowledged the disturbances and stated that an investigation is already underway.
