Oshogbo, Nigeria – At least seven people, including a former council chairman, were killed in Osun State on Monday as violent clashes erupted between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The crisis was triggered by a contentious Court of Appeal ruling, allegedly reinstating APC-elected local government officials.
The deceased include Mr. Aderemi Abbas, former chairman of Irewole Local Government, who was shot dead amid the violent power struggle. The clashes, which spread across multiple local government areas, left several others injured as rival groups engaged in gunfights and machete attacks.
Governor Adeleke, APC Trade Blame
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke had, on Sunday, warned of a conspiracy involving Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola and some security agency heads to enforce the court ruling. He urged the public to hold them accountable for any ensuing violence.
Following the bloodshed, PDP and APC leaders accused each other of orchestrating the attacks. PDP’s Media Director, Oladele Bamiji, claimed that APC thugs, aided by security forces, killed five PDP members and injured over 50. He alleged that the worst-hit areas included Boripe, Olaoluwa, and Isokan LGAs.
APC leaders, however, accused the PDP of targeting their members. Jamiu Olawumi, former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Oyetola, lamented the killing of Abbas and other APC supporters, claiming that his party members were attacked in Irewole, Isokan, and Olaoluwa. He also alleged an assassination attempt on the Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Remi Omowaiye, whose convoy was sprayed with bullets near Ilesa West.
Police Deploy Tactical Squads
In response, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered additional tactical squads to Osun State. Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi condemned the violence and vowed to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.
“The situation in Osun will be closely monitored, and all necessary measures will be enforced to ensure a safe environment for all residents,” the police statement read.
Davido Slams Osun Police Commissioner
Nigerian Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, criticized Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, accusing him of bias in handling the crisis. In a series of social media posts, Davido warned the commissioner to uphold the rule of law.
Calls for Presidential Intervention
The Osun State National Assembly caucus urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, accusing Oyetola of using security forces to back APC’s forceful takeover of local government offices. They warned that the ongoing violence could destabilize the state if not addressed urgently.
As tension remains high, both parties continue to trade accusations while security forces attempt to restore order across the state.
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