By Stephen Simon
Tension is mounting in Ilesa, Osun State, following a reported attack on supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that left two people dead and several others injured ahead of the state governorship election.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Igbogi, Ilesa, where APC supporters had gathered ahead of a final campaign rally scheduled to take place in the community.
Witnesses said suspected political thugs stormed the area at about 7:30 am and opened fire on the gathering, forcing residents and party supporters to flee.
A resident, identified as Sola, said the attackers arrived shortly before the scheduled commencement of the rally.
“We were preparing for our final rally today. Our leaders asked us to converge at Igbogi by 8 am. But at about 7:30 am, the thugs invaded and started shooting sporadically,” he said.
According to him, four people were hit by the gunfire.
The APC campaign council later confirmed that four of its supporters were shot during the incident, with two subsequently dying from their injuries.
Oluremi Omowaiye, the campaign council’s media head, said the APC Woman Leader in Ilesa was among those injured and was receiving treatment at Wesley Guild Hospital.
“Four of our supporters were shot. Two have died, while two others are in critical condition,” Omowaiye said.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over political violence in Ilesa, with reports that several APC members have been killed in separate attacks within the past 24 hours.
Earlier, APC supporters had taken to the streets to protest what they described as attacks, intimidation and political violence ahead of the election.
The protest was attended by APC leaders from Ijesa land, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who condemned the reported attacks on party members.
However, a statement attributed to Fadahunsi in a video circulating on social media later sparked controversy. In the video, he was heard saying, “We must not see any Accord Party member in Ijesa land. When you see them, kill them.”
The comment prompted Governor Ademola Adeleke to call for the arrest of the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District over the alleged statement.
Fadahunsi subsequently denied calling for physical attacks on members of the Accord Party.
His media office explained that the senator’s reference to “kill Accord” was intended to mean defeating the party at the polls.
“I meant kill Accord with your votes. At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party,” the statement said.
The senator also appealed to political parties, their supporters and voters to maintain peace before, during and after the election.
He further urged security agencies to ensure that voters are able to exercise their franchise without intimidation or violence.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command said investigations into the Ilesa attack were ongoing.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident and said further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
