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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
A 40-year-old man, Azeez Tajudeen, has been killed and several others injured following an attack by suspected hoodlums on supporters of the Accord Party who were welcoming the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, back to Ibadan on Wednesday.
The Oyo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the attack, which occurred as the supporters moved from the Molete area towards Iwo Road, where the Agidigbo office is located.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) condemned the violence and called for a thorough investigation, alleging that suspected members of the Park Management System (PMS) were responsible for the attack.
According to the police, the incident was reported at a police station on October 14 by Kehinde Samuel Ibikunle.
Tajudeen, a native of Oke Amu in Otesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, reportedly sustained a severe injury to his right eye during the attack. He was rushed for medical attention and subsequently taken to the State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, where he was confirmed dead.
His remains were later deposited at the hospital morgue.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said in a statement that the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, had ordered the transfer of the case to the Command Monitoring Unit for a comprehensive investigation.
He said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
The police urged political aspirants, party leaders and event organisers to notify the command at least 48 hours before holding processions or public gatherings to enable the deployment of adequate security personnel.
In a separate statement, the Oyo State APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, alleged that armed assailants emerged around noon in Molete and attacked vehicles conveying Accord Party supporters and candidates, leaving several occupants injured.
Sadare further accused Governor Seyi Makinde of directing PMS officials to ensure that commercial motorists displayed campaign materials promoting candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) on their vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles.
The APC also alleged that attacks on opposition members and the destruction of campaign billboards, signs and posters had increased in parts of the state.
“Just last week, members of the APC were attacked in three different places in Ibadan, and all accusing fingers were pointed at the APM gladiators, who are known promoters of the political thuggery arm of the Park Management System (PMS) since 2019,” the party said.
However, the party said it would not pre-empt the outcome of an objective and thorough investigation by the police and other security agencies.
It urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while calling for the identification and prosecution of anyone found responsible for political violence.
The police have yet to publicly confirm the APC’s allegations against the PMS or any political actors in connection with the attack.
