Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council on Tuesday traded accusations over violence recorded in parts of the state, which left about three persons injured.
Investigations revealed that the crisis began in Ile-Ife during a walk organised by the APC to mobilise support for its governorship candidate in the August 15 poll, Bola Oyebamiji.
The walk, which commenced around 9 a.m. at the Mayfair area of Ile-Ife, was led by the member representing Ife Central/Ife East/Ife North/Ife South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abimbola Ajilesoro, and reportedly descended into violence at the Sabo area.
There were allegations that the violence was triggered after some individuals tore campaign posters of a governorship candidate pasted along the roadside at Sabo, Ile-Ife.
At the Aregbesola area in Osogbo, a driver in a commercial bus was reportedly hit by a bullet and taken to an undisclosed hospital.
At Testing Ground, security personnel were observed at a business premises owned by an APC member, Lawrence Dada, who alleged that soldiers looted his property and arrested two of his staff.
Governor Adeleke, who visited victims at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and the State Hospital, Ede, described the incidents as coordinated attacks.
He said, “There were coordinated attacks on residents of Ile Ife, Ede and Osogbo today by pro-Ambo political thugs.
“After the dastardly acts that occurred at Ile Ife, the attackers proceeded to Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage, Okefia and other parts of Osogbo.
“The attackers in a 15-vehicle convoy branded with AMBO pictures paraded the towns without any response from the police.
“At the time of calling this press conference, several residents were feared injured and even one or two people killed.
“The attackers are led by thugs known as Aleba and Asiri. Worst still, the state police command has not raised a finger to stop the attacks or arrest the attackers. These attacks are outrageous, unprovoked and a deliberate step to plunge the state into chaos.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the destabilising roles of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola and the Osun APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
“The provocation is getting to an unbearable level. For the past few months, I have been calming my people to maintain peace despite persistent attacks.”
In its reaction, the Osun APC Campaign Council alleged that its supporters were attacked by political thugs loyal to the governor.
