Tension Rises in Ondo as Suspected Political Thugs Attack, Injure 6 PDP Members Days Before Polls

Some armed persons suspected to be political thugs on Wednesday, attacked some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo state.

The attack which came two days to the November 16 governorship election has raised tension in the council area causing apprehension that a crisis might erupt in the area on Saturday.

Sources revealed that some members of PDP sustained varying degrees of injuries, with Otunba Olowoniyi Akinleminu among them, and have been rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the State Specialists Hospital in the state capital, Akure.

Speaking on the development, the Director, Media and Publicity of PDP in the local government, Mr Adeyemi Fasoranti, and a chieftain of the party, Hon Bosede Agbaje Salami alleged that the attackers were suspected political thugs sponsored by the APC.

Particularly, they claimed that the attack came as a result of the successful campaign of PDP in the council area on Tuesday.

According to Fasoranti, “one armed Oyewole Aderemi (Gulder) and another suspected thug popularly called Osha had  threatened to kill as many as possible before members of our party during the election.”

He further alleged that the perpetrators would not be arrested because they are working for the ruling party in the state.

On her part, Bosede Salami alleged that the lives of PDP members are being threatened by suspected political thugs and cultists allegedly invited by political gladiators in the town.

She said: “We wish to use this opportunity to remind the sponsors of these violent acts that elections should not be treated as a war. If you are confident in your party’s ability to win Idanre, there is no need to resort to thuggery or violence against the electorate.”

Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo has ordered immediate investigation into the incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to book.

The CP in a statement signed by the Spokesperson for the Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, revealed that the command has intensified efforts in addressing the Idanre rivalry incident, which has surfaced amidst preparations for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.

“In light of recent developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter. It is important to note that CP Oladipo had previously convened a peace meeting on November 12, 2024, bringing together leaders of the two major political parties in the area.

“During the meeting, he urged them to maintain peace and take all necessary precautions to prevent their supporters from inciting violence. Despite these efforts, however, disturbances erupted overnight, resulting in shootings and a breakdown of public order.

“The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.

“The CP has made it clear that the Command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.

“He calls on parents, community leaders, and influential figures to warn their followers, children, and loved ones to avoid any form of disruptive behavior during this period.”

The CP also encourages the people of Ondo State to utilise the Command’s control line; 07034313903 or report any suspicious activities on its social media handles.

Fidelis David

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