Shooting Attack on Osun Accord Party Chairman in Osogbo

The Osun State Government has reported that the chairman of the ruling Accord party, Asimiyu Ajibola, was shot on Wednesday night.

"Suspected gunmen on Wednesday night fired several shots at the Chairman of the Accord for Osogbo local government, Hon Asimiyu Ajibola (aka Baba Isila) and his friends," said Kolapo Alimi, the state's Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, in a statement.

"Though the chairman narrowly escaped being killed during the attack, he is currently on the danger list, receiving treatment at the Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo."

Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, is expected to be a hot spot in the August governorship election. The current governor, Ademola Adeleke, from the Accord party, is running for a second term but faces tough challenges from the APC and the ADC.

In his statement on Thursday, Mr Alimi urged the police to look into the attack.

"We are therefore calling on the police to carry out their investigation, professionally, without fear or favour in unearthing the masterminds of the attack, which, from all available indices, has elements of political colourations," he wrote.

The attack happened around 9:50 PM and sent shockwaves through the community near the Osogbo Community Bank at MDS Osogbo. The gunmen fired repeatedly at the car carrying the chairman and his friends, a blue Toyota Corolla.

Although the chairman escaped death, he is now in critical condition at the Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

One of the passengers in the bullet-riddled car described the incident. "We were coming from the MDS area, Osogbo last night at about 9:50 PM and suddenly, the gunmen chased us and opened fire on us in the car."

"We managed to escape to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo where we ran for safety before the assailants retreated. We also reported the matter to the police. After that, we rushed the seriously wounded Hon. Asimiyu Ajibola to Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he is currently getting medical attention," one victim explained.

The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, condemned the attack strongly. He urged the police to ensure they find those behind this heinous act.

According to Alimi, "it is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated. The culprits must be brought to book."

"We are therefore calling on the police to carry out their investigation, professionally, without fear or favour in unearthing the masterminds of the attack, which from all available indices, has elements of political colourations," Hon Alimi stated in his response to the attack.