Fresh political tension gripped Osun State on Tuesday after a series of violent incidents and gun attacks in parts of Ile-Ife and Osogbo left several residents injured, prompting Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress(APC) to exchange accusations over responsibility for the unrest.
The violence comes barely weeks before the August 15 governorship election, raising fresh concerns about security and political stability in the state.
The crisis reportedly began in Ile-Ife during a solidarity walk organised by supporters of APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji.
Eyewitnesses said tensions flared around the Sabo area after campaign posters of a governorship candidate were allegedly torn down by suspected hoodlums, leading to clashes involving rival political supporters.
A trader at Sabo Market said residents fled in panic as gunshots rang out and dangerous weapons were openly used during the confrontation.
Hours later, reports of gunfire emerged from Owode-Ede, Aregbesola Area, Olaiya Junction, Old Garage and Oke Fia in Osogbo, sending residents scrambling for safety.
An elderly man was reportedly injured during the shooting at Owode-Ede and taken to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, while another victim, a commercial driver, was struck by a bullet in the Aregbesola area.
Governor Adeleke later visited some of the victims receiving treatment at hospitals in Osogbo and Ede.
Addressing journalists, the governor accused supporters of the APC governorship candidate of carrying out coordinated attacks across parts of the state.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to intervene and prevent further violence.
The APC Campaign Council dismissed the allegations and accused PDP and Accord Party supporters of attacking its members and campaign assets.
According to the party, campaign buses belonging to the APC were vandalised in Owode-Ede, leaving several supporters injured and causing significant damage to campaign materials.
The party urged security agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute those responsible.
The African Democratic Congress also entered the debate, alleging that armed men attacked its campaign headquarters in Osogbo before moving through several parts of the state capital.
ADC officials called for an independent investigation and urged the police to remain neutral as tensions continue to rise.
Adding to the controversy, an APC member, Lawrence Dada, alleged that soldiers invaded his business premises and arrested two of his workers, claims that have yet to be officially addressed by military authorities.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed that investigations are underway.
With political campaigns gathering momentum ahead of the governorship election, concerns are mounting over the possibility of further violence unless urgent security measures are implemented.
