Political tension has intensified in Ilesa, Osun State, following a fresh attack on All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters that reportedly claimed the lives of two party members and left two others critically injured ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The latest violence occurred on Tuesday morning around the Igbogi area of Ilesa, where APC supporters had assembled in preparation for a final campaign rally scheduled to take place in the community.
According to residents who witnessed the incident, suspected political thugs stormed the area at about 7:30 a.m. and opened fire on the gathering, sending party supporters and residents scrambling for safety.
A resident identified as Sola said the shooting happened shortly before the planned 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.
Sola said four people were struck by bullets during the attack.
The APC campaign council later confirmed that four of its supporters sustained gunshot injuries, with two subsequently dying from their wounds.
Oluremi Omowaiye, media head of the APC campaign council, disclosed that the party’s 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.
Reported Death Toll Raises Fresh Concern
The incident comes against the backdrop of reports that as many as 12 APC members were killed in separate attacks in Ilesa within a 24-hour period.
Five people were reportedly killed during a weekend political rally, while another seven were said to have lost their lives during Tuesday’s gathering.
The reported attacks had earlier prompted APC supporters to stage a protest in Ilesa, where they expressed concern over what they described as escalating political violence and intimidation ahead of the election.
The protest was attended by APC leaders from Ijesa land, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who spoke to the demonstrators and condemned the alleged attacks on members of the party.
Fadahunsi’s Controversial Remark
The senator’s appearance at the protest later became the subject of controversy following the emergence of a video on social media in which he was purportedly heard making a threatening statement against members of the Accord Party.
In the video, Fadahunsi was heard saying:
“We must not see any Accord Party member in Ijesa land. When you see them, kill them.”
The alleged remark drew condemnation and prompted Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to demand the arrest of Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District.
Fadahunsi subsequently rejected the interpretation that he was calling for physical attacks on Accord members.
In a statement issued through his media office, the senator explained that his use of the expression “kill Accord” referred to defeating the political 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 for restraint among political parties, their supporters and voters, urging all stakeholders to preserve peace before, during and after the election.
He further called on security agencies to protect eligible voters and ensure they are able to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
Police Begin Investigation
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the reported attack in Ilesa.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident and said the command would release additional information as the investigation progresses.
The latest violence has further heightened anxiety in the state ahead of Saturday’s election, with concerns mounting over the safety of voters, party supporters and electoral personnel as political activities enter their final stage.
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