Tension has risen in Ilesa, Osun State, after an attack on All Progressives Congress supporters left two people dead and several others injured ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Igbogi, where APC supporters had gathered for a final campaign rally. Witnesses said suspected political thugs arrived around 7:30 a.m. and opened fire, forcing people to flee.
A resident, Sola, said the shooting happened shortly before the scheduled start of the rally. He said four people were hit during the attack.
The APC campaign council confirmed that four of its supporters were shot, with two later dying from their injuries. Its media head, Oluremi Omowaiye, said the party’s Ilesa Woman Leader was among those injured and was receiving treatment at Wesley Guild Hospital.
“Four of our supporters were shot. Two have died, while two others are in critical condition,” Omowaiye said.
The incident came amid reports of multiple deaths linked to political violence in Ilesa. APC supporters had previously protested what they described as attacks and intimidation ahead of the election.
The protest was attended by APC leaders, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi, whose remarks in a social media video later sparked controversy. He was heard saying, “We must not see any Accord Party member in Ijesa land. When you see them, kill them.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently called for Fadahunsi’s arrest over the alleged statement. The senator, however, denied advocating violence, saying his remark was intended to mean defeating the Accord Party through votes.
“I meant kill Accord with your votes. At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack,” his media office said.
The senator urged political parties and their supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the election, while calling on security agencies to protect voters.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed that an investigation into the Ilesa attack was underway. Its spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
