Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) traded accusations on Tuesday over alleged political attacks and shootings in parts of the state.
Adeleke, speaking at a news conference at the Government House in Osogbo, accused the APC of engaging in sporadic shootings and attacks on residents, an allegation the party denied.
The governor claimed that suspected thugs fired gunshots early Tuesday in Ile-Ife, causing panic in the town. He also alleged that similar attacks occurred in Owode-Ede, injuring some residents.
“These attacks are outrageous, unprovoked, and deliberate. The provocation is becoming unbearable.
For months, I have been urging supporters to maintain peace despite persistent attacks.
Just a month ago, a youth leader of the Accord Party was killed in Ikire.
A few days ago, the Osogbo chairman of the Accord Party was shot in Osogbo.
These attacks must stop. Our people should not be pushed to the wall.
I call on the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of DSS, and other top security officials to pay special attention to Osun.
Deliberate sponsorship of violence should be condemned by all people of conscience.
Elections are about the people; voters should be able to make their choices peacefully.
Enough is enough,” Adeleke said.
He then led journalists to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, where victims of the shootings were receiving treatment.
Reacting, the APC, through the Head of Media and Publicity Committee of its campaign council, Mr. Remi Omowaiye, alleged that thugs loyal to the Accord Party attacked APC supporters.
In a statement, Omowaiye said the increasing rate of politically motivated violence in the state, allegedly targeting APC supporters and innocent citizens, was alarming.
“Just this morning, campaign buses belonging to the APC were attacked and vandalized by suspected Accord Party thugs in Owode-Ede.
The attack left several APC supporters severely injured, and valuable campaign materials and property destroyed,” he said.
Omowaiye added that such violence has no place in democracy and should concern all residents of the state.
Also reacting, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, told reporters that the police had received reports of the shootings from Divisional Police Officers in Owode-Ede and Osogbo.
Ojelabi said the perpetrators had not been linked to any political party.
However, the police are gathering intelligence and investigating the incidents.
