Fresh political violence has been reported in Osun State after the convoy of Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji, wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), came under attack in Ede South Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening shortly after Dr. Oyebamiji concluded a political engagement in Alajue Ward 2, where she had met with residents and party supporters ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.
Dr. Oyebamiji was accompanied by Princess Bukola Adereti, wife of the APC deputy governorship candidate, Alhaji Kayode Adereti, during the visit.
Sources familiar with the development said the convoy was attacked at about 7 p.m. while leaving the venue of the programme.
The assailants, said to be armed and numbering about 15, allegedly emerged suddenly and descended on members of the convoy.
The attack reportedly caused panic in the area as party supporters and residents fled for safety.
Although Dr. Oyebamiji and Princess Adereti escaped without injury, one of the persons in the convoy sustained serious injuries.
The victim was identified as the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Sekona Branch.
He was said to have suffered severe head injuries during the incident and was later taken for medical treatment.
Witnesses said the attack disrupted movement around the Alajue and Sekona axis for some time as security concerns spread among residents.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Ede South Local Government, Hon. Kolawole Salami, condemned the attack and called for immediate action by security agencies.
Salami said the incident happened while Dr. Oyebamiji and Princess Adereti were returning from a political programme held in Alajue.
According to him, the attack took place around Alajue and Sekona Garage.
He urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies should investigate this incident thoroughly and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law,” Salami stated.
The council chairman also alleged that the attackers were loyalists of the Accord Party, a claim that had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
There was no immediate reaction from the Accord Party regarding the allegation.
Efforts to obtain comments from Dr. Oyebamiji were unsuccessful. A text message sent to her had not been responded to at the time this report was filed.
However, in a related development, the Osun State Police Command convened a major stakeholders’ meeting on June.
The meeting involved security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and other critical actors following rising incidents of violence in parts of the state.
Speaking at the meeting, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, warned political parties and supporters against acts capable of disrupting public peace.
He said security agencies would not tolerate attacks, destruction of campaign materials or any attempt to intimidate political opponents.
Gotan stated, “The command will continue to intensify efforts to curb violence and ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after the election.”
The meeting was convened after a number of violent incidents were reported across different communities in the state.
Tensions further escalated on June 29 when the police publicly cautioned both the APC and Accord Party against making statements capable of inflaming political passions.
The warning followed conflicting claims by both parties over a shooting incident in Okini, Egbedore Local Government Area.
Reacting at the time, Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said: “The command views attempts to distort facts for political advantage as irresponsible and detrimental to public peace and security.”
He added that security agencies would hold accountable anyone found spreading false information capable of causing disorder.
With less than a week to the election, security agencies have repeatedly assured residents that adequate measures are being put in place to protect voters and election officials.
