Tension in Osun as gunmen shoot Accord Party Chairman

By Isa Isawade

Political tension is further heightened in Osun as unknown gunmen on Wednesday attempted assassination of Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area of the state, Asimiyu Ajibola, aka Baba Isila.

Ajibola and his political associates were shot at around the MDS area of Osogbo, near the Osogbo Community Bank axis at about 9:50 pm on Wednesday.

The incident reportedly caused panic among residents as gunshots rang out in the neighbourhood.

A witness said the assailants opened fire on a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and his associates while they were travelling through the area.

According to him, “The gunmen pursued the vehicle and unleashed a barrage of gunfire in what appeared to be a coordinated attack.

“We were coming from the MDS area of Osogbo at about 9:50 pm and all of a sudden, the gun-wielding men chased and released a volley of bullets on all of us in the car.”

The eyewitness said the occupants managed to escape and sought refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo before the attackers fled the scene.

The Accord LG chairman was subsequently rushed to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was admitted for treatment following injuries sustained during the attack.

Reacting to the incident, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the shooting and called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Alimi described it as an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated.

He said the culprits must be brought to book.

Alimi urged the police to conduct a professional investigation to unravel those behind the attack.

“We are therefore calling on the police to carry out their investigation professionally, without fear or favour, in unearthing the masterminds of the attack,” he stated.

The state’s police command has also reacted by launching an immediate investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that it had launched a comprehensive investigation into the shooting.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, in the statement confirmed that the incident occurred along the MDS area of Osogbo when two armed men riding a motorcycle shot at the victims.

‎”The incident occurred yesterday June 3, 2026 at about 2350hrs along the MDS area of Osogbo when two armed men riding on a motorcycle reportedly attacked the victim in an apparent attempted murder.

“Upon receiving the distress report, the Police immediately mobilized tactical and conventional teams to the scene.
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“‎A team of Police officers swiftly evacuated the victim to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment. Medical personnel have confirmed that Hon. Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment.
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‎”Simultaneously, other operational teams launched an aggressive pursuit of the fleeing suspects in an effort to apprehend them and bring them to justice. Preliminary investigation at the scene led to the recovery of exhibits which are currently being subjected to forensic analysis.
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‎”The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips, utterly condemned this act and has ordered a high-powered investigation into the incident.

“He has directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution.
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“‎The Command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation. Citizens are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and provide credible information that may assist the police in tracking down the perpetrators,” the statement read.
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