Political Violence Escalates in Osun as APC Member Is Shot, Two Abductees Rescued

Fresh incidents of political violence have heightened tension in Osun State after an All Progressives Congress (APC) member was shot by suspected political thugs in Osogbo, while two residents abducted in a separate incident in Ilesa were later rescued by police.

The incidents come less than two months before the August 15 governorship election, as concerns grow over rising political tensions in the state.

The injured APC member, Taofeek Mustapha, was attacked on Saturday in the Oluode-Aranyin area of Osogbo.

A resident of the community, Sola Hammed, said the assailants arrived in an unmarked vehicle and opened fire indiscriminately, sending residents fleeing for safety.

"We all ran for cover to avoid the gunfire. Moments later, we heard someone crying for help, but everyone was trying to escape," Hammed said.

Mustapha, who sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, alleged that he was singled out because he was wearing an APC-branded cap.

According to him, the attackers displayed Accord Party insignia before pursuing and shooting him. The allegation has not been independently verified and the Accord Party had not issued any response as of the time of filing this report.

Police confirm incidents

The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the shooting and said an investigation had commenced to identify those responsible.

Ojelabi also confirmed that two residents abducted in Ilesa during a separate incident had been rescued by security operatives.

Although reports alleged that the abductors were political thugs loyal to the APC, the police did not officially attribute responsibility to any political group, saying investigations into the incident were ongoing.

IGP orders statewide security operations

The latest attacks come amid increasing reports of politically motivated violence across Osun as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship election.

In response, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has directed the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, to intensify security operations across the state.

Speaking through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (South-West), DIG Adegoke Fayoade, during a stakeholders meeting involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, religious leaders and media representatives, the IGP warned that criminal elements would not be allowed to undermine the electoral process.

Fayoade said the police had commenced a statewide show of force and sustained raids on identified criminal hideouts to deter violence before, during and after the election.

He also warned politicians against sponsoring or harbouring criminal elements, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

The Osun State Police Command said investigations into Saturday's incidents were ongoing and assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives, property and the integrity of the electoral process.