August 15: Adeleke Condemns Osogbo/Ede/Ife Shooting Spree, Accuses APC Leaders
•Slams Police Over Silence As Victims Fill Hospitals
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has condemned the shooting spree which occurred in some parts of the state on Tuesday afternoon.
The Governor said the incident was a coordinated attack on residents of Ile Ife, Ede and Osogbo allegedly by political thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress in the state, urging President Bola Tinubu to rein in the leaders of the APC in the state.
Addressing an emergency press briefing at the Government House, the Governor said the dastardly acts occurred at Ile Ife, after which the attackers proceeded to Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage, Okefia and other parts of Osogbo, explaining that the attackers, allegedly in a 15-vehicle convoy branded with AMBO pictures, paraded the towns without any response from the police.
“As at the time of calling this press conference, several residents were feared injured and even one or two people killed. The attackers are led by thugs known as Aleba and Asiri
“Worst still, the state police command has not raised a finger to stop the attacks or arrest the attackers. These attacks are outrageous, unprovoked and a deliberate step to plunge the state into chaos.
“The provocation is getting to an unbearable level. For the past few months, I have been calming my people to maintain peace despite persistent attacks.
“Just a month or so ago, a youth leader of Accord was killed at Ikire. A few days ago, the Osogbo chairman of Accord was shot at Osogbo. These attacks must stop. Our people should not be pushed to the wall.
“I call on the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of DSS and other top security officials to shine a special light on Osun state,” Olawale Rasheed.
The governor, who visited victims of the attacks, reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and properties while directing security agencies to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“As part of his visit to the teaching hospital, Governor Adeleke paid a solidarity visit to the Chairman of Accord in Osogbo Local Government, who was attacked last week by suspected political enemies hired assassins.
“The Governor then proceeded to the Cottage Hospital, Ede, where additional victims of the attacks are currently receiving medical attention.
“He expressed sympathy to the injured and assured them that the state government would not abandon them in their moment of pain,” the statement noted.
Speaking during the visits, Governor Adeleke reiterated that political differences should never degenerate into violence, intimidation, or attacks on innocent citizens, emphasising that democracy thrives on dialogue, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law.
“I am deeply saddened by the reports and the injuries inflicted on innocent citizens. No political ambition is worth the blood or suffering of our people. Osun remains a peaceful state, and we will not allow any individual or group to disrupt the peace that our people have worked hard to sustain,” the Governor stated.
Governor Adeleke directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that all those responsible, regardless of their status or political affiliation, are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Governor also assured residents that additional security measures are being activated across vulnerable locations to prevent further attacks and maintain law and order throughout the state.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress Governorship Campaign Council in the state alleged that the incident was orchestrated by an aide to the governor.
In a statement signed by Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, Head of Media and Publicity Committee, the council claimed that “one of Governor Adeleke’s appointees, Nurudeen Alowonle, led armed thugs in violent confrontations against a breakaway faction of his own group.”
The APC further alleged that vehicles associated with the governor were involved in the unrest.
“The Governor Adeleke-branded buses were reportedly seen conveying questionable characters brandishing dangerous weapons and firing gunshots,” the statement read.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
