The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area, Hon. Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, is currently receiving intensive medical treatment at the University of Osun Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, after surviving a deadly gun attack carried out by suspected assailants on Wednesday night.
The incident, which occurred at about 9:50 p.m. around the Community Bank axis of the MDS area in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, threw residents into panic as gunmen reportedly opened fire on the vehicle conveying the Accord Party chieftain and his associates.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers, described as heavily armed men, pursued the victims’ blue Toyota Corolla before unleashing a barrage of gunshots on the vehicle in what has been described as a coordinated and commando-style operation.
One of the occupants of the vehicle, who survived the attack, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the group was returning from the MDS area when the gunmen suddenly began chasing them and firing repeatedly at their car.
“We were coming from the MDS area of Osogbo at about 9:50 p.m. when armed men suddenly pursued us and released a volley of bullets at our vehicle. We managed to escape and sought refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo before the attackers retreated,” the survivor said.
He added that the incident was immediately reported to the police, after which the severely wounded Ajibola was rushed to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, where he remains under close medical supervision.
The attack has generated widespread concern among political stakeholders and residents, particularly given the apparent targeted nature of the assault.
Reacting to the development, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, strongly condemned the attack and called on security agencies to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.
Describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, Alimi stressed the need for a thorough and professional investigation.
“It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated. The culprits must be brought to book,” the commissioner stated.
He further urged the police to conduct their investigations without fear or favour, noting that preliminary indications suggest possible political undertones.
“We are calling on the police to carry out their investigation professionally and diligently in order to uncover the masterminds behind the attack, which, from all available indications, appears to have elements of political coloration,” Alimi added.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not released an official statement on the incident. However, investigations are reportedly underway to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.
The shooting has heightened concerns over political violence and security in the state, with residents and stakeholders calling for swift action to prevent a recurrence and ensure the safety of political actors and citizens alike.
Source: Office of the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.
, Osogbo, after surviving a deadly gun attack carried out by suspected assailants on Wednesday night.){kind=link}