Adeleke, APC disagree as gunshot attacks heighten tension over Osun election

By Olajide Idowu

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun and the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday traded accusations over alleged political attacks and shootings in parts of the state as tension continue to build up ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Osun Police Command Public Relations Officer said reports of the shootings have been confirmed from the Divisional Police Officers in Owode-Ede and Osogbo.

Ojelabi said that the perpetrators of the attacks had not been linked to any political party.

He, however, said the police were gathering intelligence and investigating the incidents

But while addressing a news conference at the Government House in Osogbo, Adeleke accused the APC of engaging in sporadic shootings and attacks on residents, an allegation the party denied.

The governor alleged that suspected thugs, in the early hours of Tuesday, fired gunshots sporadically in Ile-Ife, creating panic in the town.

He also alleged that suspected thugs launched attacks in Owode-Ede, leaving some residents injured.

“These attacks are outrageous, unprovoked and deliberate. The provocation is getting to an unbearable level.

“For the past few months, I have been calming my supporters to maintain peace despite persistent attacks.

“Just a month ago, a youth leader of the Accord Party was killed in Ikire.

“A few days ago, the Osogbo chairman of the Accord Party was shot in Osogbo.

“These attacks must stop. Our people should not be pushed to the wall.

“I call on the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other top security officials to pay special attention to Osun.

“Deliberate sponsorship of violence should be condemned by all people of conscience.

“Elections are about the people. Voters should be allowed to make their choices in a peaceful atmosphere.

“This attack must stop. Enough is enough,” Adeleke said.

The governor thereafter led journalists to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, where victims of the shootings were receiving treatment.

Reacting, the APC, through the Head of Media and Publicity Committee of its campaign council, Mr Remi Omowaiye, alleged that thugs loyal to the Accord Party attacked APC supporters.

Omowaiye, in a statement, said the increasing rate of politically motivated violence in the state, allegedly targeted at APC supporters and other innocent citizens, was becoming alarming.

“Only this morning, campaign buses belonging to the APC were attacked and vandalised by suspected Accord Party thugs in the Owode-Ede area.

“The attack left several supporters of the APC governorship candidate severely injured, while valuable campaign materials and property were destroyed,” he said.

Omowaiye said such acts of violence had no place in a democratic society and should concern every well-meaning resident of the state.

.(NAN)