AKURE. – In about 72 hours to the off-circle gubernatorial election in Ondo State, some armed persons suspected to be political thugs, in early hours of Wednesday, attacked some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre Local Government Area of the state.
The development has raised serious concern in PDP camp as the Director, Media and Publicity of PDP in the local government and a chieftain of the party, Mr Adeyemi Fasoranti, and Hon Bosede Agbaje Salami respectively alleged that the attackers were suspected All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs.
They said the attack came as a result of the successful campaign of PDP on Tuesday.
According to Fasoranti, one armed Oyewole Aderemi (Gulder) and another suspected thug popularly called Osha had allegedly threatened to kill as many as possible before and during election.
He further alleged that the perpetrators would not be arrested because they are working for the ruling party in the state.
Salami raised the alarm that the lives of PDP members are being threatened by suspected political thugs and cultists allegedly invited by political gladiators in the town.
She said: “We wish to use this opportunity to remind the sponsors of these violent acts that elections should not be treated as a war. If you are confident in your party’s ability to win Idanre, there is no need to resort to thuggery or violence against the electorate.”
Sources revealed that some members of PDP sustained varying degree of injuries, among who is Otunba Olowoniyi Akinleminu.
He has been rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the State Specialists Hospital in the state capital, Akure.
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo has ordered immediate investigation in to the incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to book.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson for the Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, a Superintendent of Police(SP), it was stated that the Command has “intensified efforts in addressing the Idanre rivalry incident, which has surfaced amidst preparations for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.”
The statement reads in parts: “In light of recent developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.
“It is important to note that CP Oladipo had previously convened a peace meeting on November 12, 2024, bringing together leaders of the two major political parties in the area.
“During the meeting, he urged them to maintain peace and take all necessary precautions to prevent their supporters from inciting violence. Despite these efforts, however, disturbances erupted overnight, resulting in shootings and a breakdown of public order.
“The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.
“The CP has made it clear that the Command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.
“He calls on parents, community leaders, and influential figures to warn their followers, children, and loved ones to avoid any form of disruptive behavior during this period.
“The CP also encourages the people of Ondo State to utilize the Command’s control line; 07034313903 or report any suspicious activities on our social media handles:
X – @OndoPoliceNg
Facebook – ondo police command
Instagram- Ondopolicecommand.”
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