The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has alleged that gunmen it described as “APC thugs” carried out coordinated attacks on its members and supporters across several local government areas of the state, claiming that at least 15 of its members have been killed in the violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The party also alleged that several houses belonging to its members were attacked, vandalised, looted and, in some cases, set ablaze, while many supporters sustained gunshot injuries in different parts of the state.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday and signed by the state chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord claimed that heavily armed assailants launched attacks across Obokun, Odo Otin, Boripe, Irewole and other local government areas.
According to the party, the violence was particularly severe in Iree, where gunmen reportedly operated throughout the night, leaving several party members injured.
The party further alleged that the palace of the Aree of Iree was attacked during the incident, with gunmen allegedly firing from multiple directions.
It said five persons sustained injuries during the attack on the palace.
Accord also claimed that the violence had continued in Obokun Local Government Area, especially in Esa-Oke, where several houses were reportedly burnt.
“The attacks and killings have continued unabated with several houses burnt at Esa Oke,” the statement said.
The party added that the violence began two days earlier and alleged that security agencies had been unable to contain the situation.
In Odo Otin Local Government Area, Accord alleged that attacks occurred in Okuku and surrounding communities, with more than 20 of its members reportedly receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.
The party also alleged that its supporters in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, were attacked, claiming that the homes of about 25 Accord members were raided and their family members molested.
It said the affected houses were openly vandalised and that the attack extended to the residence of Senator Lere Oyewumi, who serves as Director-General of the Accord governorship campaign.
The party further raised allegations concerning an incident in Ifewara involving an APC House of Assembly candidate who was previously arrested and later released.
According to Accord, the candidate allegedly coordinated attacks on its members and their residences in the area, resulting in several injuries.
“The military personnel who arrested the APC state assembly candidate and his gang members are reportedly suspended by the Naval Authorities,” the party alleged.
It further claimed that the reported suspension followed the arrest of the candidate and members of his alleged group.
Accord also alleged that there were plans for retaliatory attacks in Osogbo, claiming that five senior appointees of Governor Ademola Adeleke had been marked for arrest and attack.
The party said a manhunt had allegedly been launched for one of the appointees as of the time the statement was issued.
It further claimed that APC chieftain Chief Tunde Badmus directed that one of the appointees should be arrested if he appeared at a polling unit.
The allegations come amid heightened political tension and growing security concerns as Osun prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, with political parties trading accusations over violence and the activities of suspected political thugs.
The APC had not issued an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has expressed sympathy to families of those who lost their lives in incidents linked to the election period.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement on Friday, described the loss of lives as tragic and unacceptable.
“Every life lost is an Osun life. Politics should never cost anyone his or her life, irrespective of political affiliation,” the governor said.
Adeleke announced that the state government would establish an independent commission of inquiry immediately after the election to investigate all reported killings and acts of violence connected with the election period.
“The Government under my watch wishes to assure the people of Osun State that next Monday, immediately after the election, an Independent Commission of Inquiry will be constituted to investigate all reported killings and acts of violence connected with this election period,” he said.
He stated that the commission would determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents and recommend appropriate actions to ensure that all those found responsible are brought to justice regardless of political affiliation, position or influence.
“The Commission will establish the circumstances surrounding these incidents and recommend appropriate actions to ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation, position or influence,” he added.
The governor also promised that the state government would develop a framework to support and compensate families of those who lost their lives during the violence.
“The Government will also put in place a framework to support and compensate the families of those who lost their lives. The memories of all victims will be appropriately honoured,” he said.
Adeleke appealed for calm among residents and political supporters, warning against retaliation and urging all parties to allow the democratic process to take its course peacefully.
“The election will come and go, but we will remain one people. We owe the dead justice, their families compassion, and the people of Osun a peaceful future,” the governor stated.
The government’s decision to establish a commission of inquiry comes as Accord continues to insist that its members and supporters have been deliberately targeted in coordinated attacks across several parts of Osun State.
The allegations have added to concerns over security ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with observers calling for restraint, professionalism by security agencies and strict enforcement of electoral laws to prevent further violence.
