Osun decides: Suspected political thugs storm collation centres, open fire

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Tension gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Saturday night following reports of gunshots at some collation centres and other parts of the city as results of the governorship election were being collated.

At the Ataoja D Ward 4 collation centre in the Fakunle area, suspected political thugs reportedly opened fire at about 9:45 p.m., forcing residents, road users and others in the area to flee. The shooting reportedly spread towards the Olaiya area.

A similar incident was reported around the Salvation Army School area in Alekunwodo, another collation centre where voting had earlier taken place.

It was gathered that a man was hit by a bullet during the shooting around the Salvation Army area.

The incidents heightened tension in the affected areas, with residents seeking safety as the shootings continued.

The shootings also threw INEC officials into panic, while security personnel at the locations appeared unable to immediately contain the situation.

The incidents occurred amid the ongoing collation of results from Saturday’s governorship election across Osun State.