The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned what it described as a series of violent attacks allegedly carried out against its members and supporters in parts of the state, particularly in Ede, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The party alleged that within the last 24 hours, several of its members and chieftains were attacked and injured in what it described as coordinated assaults by suspected supporters of the Accord Party.
The party in a statement which was signed by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, further alleged that the convoy conveying the wife of its governorship candidate, Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji, and the wife of the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Princess Abimbola Adereti, came under attack at Alajue, Ede, while they were on a campaign tour of the community.
The party claimed that both women escaped unharmed despite the alleged attack on their convoy.
According to the APC, one of its members, Mr. Abideen Oyetunde, narrowly escaped death on Sunday evening after he was allegedly attacked at his residence in Sekona, Ede South Local Government Area.
The party claimed that Oyetunde was macheted and shot by his assailants before managing to escape with severe head injuries and a gunshot wound. It added that he is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Ede.
Narrating his ordeal, Oyetunde alleged:
“The attackers invaded my residence with dangerous weapons intending to kill me. When they sighted me, one of them struck me on the head with a machete. I eventually lost consciousness and only regained it in the hospital.”
The APC further claimed that Oyetunde identified some of his alleged attackers as individuals known within the area and whom he described as members of the Accord Party.
The party also alleged that, on the same day, another of its members, Taofeek Akanbi, who recently defected from the Accord Party to the APC, was targeted by suspected political thugs at the Odo Eja area of Ede.
According to the statement, the assailants reportedly stormed Access Point Lounge in search of Akanbi and allegedly attempted to set the premises ablaze after failing to locate him. The party said the fire was extinguished before causing significant damage.
The APC called on the Commissioner of Police in Osun State to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
“We appeal to the Commissioner of Police to ensure a comprehensive investigation into these incidents and bring both the masterminds and perpetrators to justice. Democracy can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, security and respect for the rule of law,” the statement read.
The party further alleged that the attacks reflected what it described as increasing political violence ahead of the governorship election, while accusing the Accord Party and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign of promoting a climate of intimidation. It also alleged that the governor’s camp had sought to misrepresent the security situation in the state.
The APC, however, urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on mobilising support for its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), ahead of the August 15 poll.
