Pre-Election Violence Sparks Panic in Osun State
With the August 15 governorship election in Osun State rapidly approaching, political violence has escalated, resulting in a shooting and a double abduction. In the latest string of clashes, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Taofeek Mustapha, was shot and injured by suspected political thugs, while two other residents were temporarily kidnapped in a separate incident.
The shooting took place in the Oluode-Aranyin area, where armed men reportedly arrived in an unmarked vehicle and began firing sporadically. According to Sola Hammed, a local resident who witnessed the chaos, panicked citizens fled in all directions to escape the gunfire before cries for help were heard from the victim.
Targeted Over Campaign Attire
Speaking from his recovery bed, Mustapha revealed that he was targeted specifically because of his political attire. “I was putting on the AMBO-crested cap when the shooting occurred,” Mustapha recounted. “Everyone ran for safety, and they pursued me because I was wearing the APC candidate cap. When I was shot, I cried for help. Then the attackers retreated back into their vehicle and drove away.”
Mustapha further alleged that the assailants utilized the insignia of the Accord Party, noting that three armed individuals exited the vehicle and focused their assault on him once they spotted his campaign cap.
Ilesa Abductions and Police Intervention
In a parallel development, political thugs suspected to be loyal to the APC allegedly abducted two individuals in Ilesa. However, the Osun State Police Command has confirmed that both victims have since been safely rescued.
Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed both the shooting of Mustapha and the successful rescue operation in Ilesa, adding that comprehensive investigations into both incidents have officially commenced.
Security Forces Order Clampdown on Criminal Hideouts
The spike in political violence has prompted urgent counter-measures from top security officials. Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, speaking through the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for the Southwest, Adegoke Fayoade, has directed the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to initiate a massive “show of strength” across the state.
Addressing key stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, religious organizations, and the media security chiefs announced that law enforcement will aggressively raid known criminal hideouts to flush out bad actors before the election. The police command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, secure environment for voters on August 15.