500 APC members attacked in Osun, campaign vehicles, billboards destroyed, party alerts IGP

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Monday raised the alarm on the state of insecurity in the state, following massive attacks on its members by political thugs.

The party alleged that over 500 of its members have been attacked in the last 24 hours and a number of properties had been destroyed including, campaign vehicles, billboards particularly in Osogbo, the state capital.

In a statement by its acting State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, APC said the return of PDP into governance in the state has marked the continuation of brigandage and political siege of yesteryears.

The statement reads in part: “We knew since yesterday that the beasts of yesteryears have returned to power, but we never imagined the extent of the havoc they are currently wrecking in Osun in less than 24 hours after the inauguration. Today Monday can be best described as a black day for our dear state.   

“We are seriously disturbed and concerned about public peace and order particularly the safety of our teeming members and supporters in Osun which has been under serious security threats since yesterday after the inauguration of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the Governor of Osun State.

“As at the last count this morning, more than 500 APC members have been attacked while a vehicle with APC campaign inscription was burnt in Ayetoro area of Osogbo. As at the time of issuing this statement, some of our party members have sustained various degrees of injuries and gun wound at Old Garage, Ogo-Oluwa in Osogbo, and the ongoing senseless attack has already spilled to Ile Ife, Ilesa, Iwo, Ede, Ila and Ikirun.  

“It is regrettable to see how political thugs are openly displaying guns and shooting sporadically across the state, and sadly, some men of the Nigeria Police Force are providing shield for the criminals particularly in the attack that happened at Old Garage, where Anti-Cultist Police unit team provided cover for hoodlums to attack innocent people in the area.

“It will be recalled that last week, we raised a concern about the subject matter that PDP has concluded plans to destroy our party campaign facilities and attack our members. Today, we are vindicated because the attacks were carried out in a pattern and manner we have noticed and reported to the police.

“We are not surprised because the hallmark of PDP and new Governor is violence and brigandage but it is very unfortunate that the era of locust is returning to Osun 12 years after.”

The party called on the Inspector General of Police, the state Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to arrest the situation before it degenerates to full blown war, saying Osun has been known for peace in the last four years under the administration of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.