A group of political thugs reportedly violated peace in Idanre community, headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Wednesday, 72 hours before the Ondo State gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday .
The attack, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday, was unleashed on some members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the community, a development that sparked concern as the campaigns had gone on for weeks without any untoward incident.
Allegation
The PDP Director of Media and Publicity in the local government, Adeyemi Fasoranti, and another member, Bosede Salami, alleged that the attack was carried out by hoodlums loyal to the ruling APC.
They said the attack came as a result of the PDP's successful campaign on Tuesday.
According to Fasoranti, an armed Oyewole Aderemi (Gulder) and another alleged thug popularly called Osha had allegedly threatened to kill as many as possible before and during the elections.
He further alleged that the perpetrators would not be arrested because they worked for the ruling party in the state.
Mrs Salami raised the alarm that the lives of PDP members were being threatened by alleged political thugs and cultists allegedly invited by political gladiators in the city.
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He said: “We want to take this opportunity to remind the sponsors of these violent acts that elections should not be treated as a war.
“If one is confident in his party's ability to win Idanre, there is no need to resort to thuggery or violence against the electorate.”
The victim was rushed to the hospital
Sources revealed that some members of the PDP suffered injuries of varying degrees, including Olowoniyi Akinleminu.
Mr Akinleminu was said to have been rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the State Specialist Hospital in the state capital, Akure.
The police react
The Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said the Command has “intensified its efforts to address the Idanre rivalry incident, which emerged amid preparations for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.”
Odunlami-Omisanya said: “In light of the recent developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.
“It is important to note that CP Oladipo had previously called for a peace meeting on November 12, 2024, which brought together the 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 his followers from inciting violence. However, despite these efforts, riots broke out overnight, resulting in shootings and a breach of public order.”
He said 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 to the area, “particularly at such a critical time in the state's history.”
He added: “The PC has made it clear that the Command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, that participates in or allows actions that may disturb the peace before, during or after the elections.”
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The spokesperson further noted that the police encourages the people of Ondo State to use the Command’s hotline at 07034313903 or report any suspicious activity “on our social media platforms: X – @OndoPoliceNg, Facebook – Ondo Police Command, “Instagram-Ondopolicecommand.”