Osun Crisis Deepens as APC, PDP Point Fingers Over Fresh Violence
At least three persons were reportedly injured following a series of violent incidents linked to political activities across parts of Osun State on Tuesday, with both the ruling party and the opposition trading accusations over responsibility. The unrest was said to have begun during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in the Ife Federal Constituency earlier in the day, where some individuals allegedly attacked members of the campaign team around the Sabo area of Ile-Ife. The situation reportedly escalated after the attackers were repelled, with a motorcycle belonging to the assailants set ablaze, further heightening tensions. Witnesses also reported that as the APC campaign convoy moved through parts of Ede North Local Government Area, particularly Akoda and Owode-Ede, it was allegedly involved in a violent encounter with supporters of another political group, leading to sporadic gunshots and widespread panic. Similar disturbances were later reported in parts of Osogbo, including areas such as Olaiya, Oke-Fia, Old Garage, and Aregbesola Bus Stop, where suspected thugs were said to have fired shots into the air. Addressing journalists at the Government House in Osogbo, Governor Ademola Adeleke attributed the violence to supporters of the APC, alleging that armed individuals linked to the party’s campaign were responsible for the attacks. He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene to prevent further deterioration of security in the state. The governor later visited victims receiving treatment at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital in Osogbo and the General Hospital in Ede, describing the incidents as deeply concerning and unacceptable. However, the APC Campaign Council strongly rejected the allegations, blaming supporters of the ruling party for the violence. In a statement issued by its media chairman, Remi Omowaye, the council accused the state government of enabling a climate of intimidation and political aggression ahead of the elections, and called for restraint to prevent further escalation.
The party also alleged that its members were targeted during attacks in the Owode-Ede area, claiming that campaign materials were destroyed and several supporters injured. In a separate development, reports emerged that soldiers allegedly from the Nigeria Army Engineering Regiment Corps in Ede stormed the business premises of an APC chieftain, Lawrence Dada, in Osogbo. The operation was said to have resulted in the seizure of valuables, including motorcycles and security equipment, as well as the detention of two individuals. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Dada questioned the action, urging security authorities to investigate whether political affiliation played a role in the operation. Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command announced restrictions on political rallies in Oriade Local Government Area, citing security concerns and intelligence indicating a possible breakdown of law and order. The police said earlier efforts to mediate between political actors in the area had failed, necessitating the precautionary measure. Authorities urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to comply with the directive in the interest of peace and public safety as tensions continue to rise ahead of the elections.
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