At least five people have been killed and over fifty others injured in violent clashes between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Osun State.
The violence, which erupted on Monday, is linked to the APC’s alleged attempt to reinstate sacked local government officials.
PDP Accuses APC of Coordinated Attacks
Osun PDP Director of Media, Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji, alleged that APC thugs, led by a known political figure, launched coordinated attacks on PDP members in several local government areas, including Boripe, Olaoluwa, Isokan, and Ilesa West.
“In Boripe, particularly in Iragbiji, two PDP members, Damilare Olumide (Ege) and Oyebamiji Taiwo, were gruesomely murdered. Over twenty others sustained injuries while preparing for a political rally,” he claimed.
The PDP also accused armed security personnel of aiding the attackers. In Olaoluwa LGA, two more PDP members, Abdulahi Olawale Ayanfe and Olaleye Akano, were reportedly shot dead, while several others sustained gunshot wounds.
“The violence escalated in Ilesa West, where APC thugs stormed a PDP rally and opened fire indiscriminately. Several chieftains, including Hon. Tunde Ẹjẹ and Hon. Kasali, were seriously injured, along with an innocent vendor,” Bamiji alleged.
The PDP called for an independent investigation into the attacks, insisting that justice must be served.
APC Denies Allegations, Accuses PDP of Orchestrating Violence
The APC, however, dismissed the accusations, blaming Governor Ademola Adeleke and the PDP-led state government for the violence.
At a press conference in Osogbo, APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal accused Adeleke’s administration of targeting APC members following an Appeal Court ruling that reinstated the party’s sacked local government chairmen.
The party also called for the proscription of the Amotekun security outfit, alleging that its members assisted PDP operatives in attacking APC supporters.
“Amotekun has become a political weapon in Osun. The Inspector General of Police must act,” APC chieftain Remi Omowaiye said.
Omowaiye further alleged that his convoy was attacked by suspected PDP thugs while en route to Osogbo.
“PDP thugs, led by a House of Assembly member, fired at my vehicle. The bullet holes are visible,” he claimed.
Calls for Federal Intervention
Amid rising tensions, former Special Adviser on Education, Jamiu Olawumi, urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intervene before the situation escalates further.
“The state is descending into chaos. The government must protect all citizens, not just its party members,” he said.
As both parties continue to trade blame, Osun residents fear that the crisis could spiral out of control. Meanwhile, security agencies have been urged to take swift action to prevent further bloodshed.