Osun Bloodbath: Two APC Members Killed, Party Alleges Governor's Thugs Behind Deadly Attacks

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council in Osun State has urgently called upon the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the killing of two of its supporters and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The APC campaign council, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, explicitly alleged that these violent attacks, which occurred on Wednesday night, were perpetrated by political thugs supported by the state government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

According to the campaign council, officials visited hospitals and morgues, confirming that two party members, identified as Adelodun Lateef Olalekan (popularly known as "Lexy") and Waheed Adigun, both committed APC members, were killed. Additionally, at least ten other individuals sustained various degrees of injuries. The APC further claimed that a female party member was shot in the buttocks while attending an AMBO political meeting in the Igbona area of Osogbo and is currently undergoing medical treatment.

The APC campaign council vehemently alleged that the attacks were orchestrated by thugs loyal to Governor Adeleke and were reportedly led by Nurudeen Alowonle, identified as an appointee of the governor, in collaboration with two other individuals named Esubiyi and Taoreed Ademola (also known as "Small Rugged"). Eyewitnesses reportedly stated that the suspects moved around Osogbo in an 18-seater Hummer bus, specifically targeting APC supporters across different parts of the town. The council also claimed that Esubiyi and Small Rugged were among individuals recently released from prison on the governor's directive and have allegedly been involved in previous violent acts against APC members. Furthermore, it was alleged that Nurudeen Alowonle and Emir Ajagungbade have been seeking refuge within the Osun Government House for several months, despite allegedly being wanted by security agencies for criminal allegations.

In response to these grave incidents, the APC campaign council has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and other relevant security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation, arrest the culprits, and ensure their prosecution. The council also urged Osun State residents to prevail upon Governor Adeleke to "rise above political pettiness, bitterness and desperation" for the sake of peace and democratic stability, especially with the state's governorship election approaching.

Conversely, Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the violence, describing the incidents as unacceptable and warning that they could exacerbate the state's already fragile security situation. The governor, in a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, called for calm and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and prevent further breakdown of law and order. He explicitly dismissed allegations linking his administration to the incident, insisting that neither he nor the state government had any involvement in the killings. Governor Adeleke characterized the events as "suspected cult killing" and stressed that security agencies must act swiftly to restore normalcy and ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law, emphasizing that criminal activities, particularly those linked to cult groups, should not be allowed to threaten peace and safety.

The APC campaign, however, described the governor's claim of cult-related violence as "unfortunate and wicked," alleging that it constituted an attempt to absolve those truly responsible of blame. The opposition party further maintained that Governor Adeleke was enabling political violence in the state and asserted that he would eventually be held accountable for allegations of violence and political killings after leaving office. The campaign council concluded by expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and offering prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.