On Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress’s ongoing ward congress in Ondo State descended into violence, resulting in two fatalities and other injuries in the Idanre Local Government Area.
Less than twenty-four hours had passed since political thugs stormed the APC Secretariat in Akure, interrupting a stakeholders’ meeting officiated by state chairman Ade Adetimehin.
The party’s chairman and other leaders were attacked during the assault, and other members were hurt.
According to accounts on Wednesday, party members were attacked by alleged thugs, making it impossible for the congress to meet in some Idanre wards. During the conflict, vehicles were allegedly set on fire.
As of the publishing of this report, the reason of the issue was still unknown.
One of the victims is the brother of APC chairman Raphael Adetimehin, who was viciously attacked at his Idanre ward by alleged political thugs.
The thugs attacked his brother, according to APC chairman Adetimehin, who verified the allegation.
He claimed that the assailants burned his brother’s car and shot him before chopping him with a machete.
“Because my brother and I are so similar, the people who attacked him believed that I was the one.”
They stabbed and shot him, then abandoned him when they believed he was dead. “Why we are taking politics so far is beyond me,” Adetimehin said.
Two fatalities and three injuries were reported at Idanre, according to a statement from DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the public relations officer for the Ondo State Police.
The statement stated that the attack happened at approximately 11 a.m. and that a car was set on fire.
The Commissioner of Police then personally led a combined team of security personnel to the scene, accompanied by CC Oluyemi Ibiloye, State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“The restoration of peace and order in the affected area was ensured by their prompt intervention,” the statement said.
Jimoh continued, “Two victims were pronounced dead at the hospital, and three others suffered various degrees of injuries and are presently undergoing medical treatment.
“An investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and to capture the perpetrators of this horrible act.”
Residents were asked to maintain their composure by the police, who assured them that more tactical teams had been sent in to guard the area and stop more violence.
The CP directed the prompt deployment of more tactical teams to secure the area and its surroundings in order to safeguard people and property and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
APC leaders denounce assaults
The attack on the party secretariat in Akure on Tuesday was denounced by Ondo State APC elders through the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum. Fifteen elderly people are reportedly being treated in the hospital after being hurt during the incident.
According to the elders, the incident was against the rule of law, democratic ideals, and party discipline.
“The violent assault and public humiliation of the Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. Pa Erastus Akeju,” the forum said in a statement signed by its chairman. Ade Adetimehin, as well as esteemed party leaders and stakeholders, by thugs posing as political figures, which is completely unacceptable.
“Such lawlessness is unacceptable in any democratic society, but it is especially unacceptable within a party that takes pride in internal democracy, progressive values, and respect for established authority.”
“Restoring sanity, ensuring accountability, and reaffirming that violence will never be rewarded in our party must now find expression in the President’s lifelong commitment to democracy, justice, and institutional order,” Akeju said, urging President Bola Tinubu to step in.
In addition, he called on the National Working Committee and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to move quickly, stressing the necessity of a comprehensive inquiry, suitable penalties, and unambiguous instructions to strengthen discipline and security throughout party institutions.
Without reservation, let me say that physical violence, thuggery, and intimidation have no place in politics.
“The ideas, discussions, and collective desire of Nigerians who support democratic governance were the foundations of the APC, not brigandage.
“When elders are humiliated and leaders are assaulted within a party secretariat, the fundamental basis of political order is jeopardized.”
“I strongly denounce this incident on behalf of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Ondo State.
Not only are individuals targeted, but the integrity of the All Progressives Congress itself is also under attack. The statement went on to say that remaining silent or unconcerned in the face of such cruelty would encourage impunity and spark more unrest.
