By John Dike, Osogb
Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm over alleged post-election attacks on its members and supporters across the state, warning that continued violence could plunge Osun into a fresh crisis.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, four days after the August 15 governorship election, the party accused supporters of the ruling Accord Party of carrying out attacks against APC members following the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It alleged that several incidents of violence had been recorded in different parts of the state, including Osogbo, Modakeke and Ifelodun Local Government Areas.
According to the party, APC members were allegedly attacked at Oke-Fia area of Osogbo on Monday, while another incident was reported at Amudaoba area of Modakeke on Sunday.
The party also alleged that its Ward 9 chairman at Iba in Ifelodun Local Government Area was attacked, while the house of one of its members, identified as Akibu Olateju, was allegedly destroyed at Ilie in the same local government.
The APC further alleged that four motorcycles belonging to its members were burnt in Modakeke shortly after the election results were announced, while the shop of a female APC member was allegedly destroyed.
The party also referred to a video circulating on social media which it claimed showed some persons allegedly attacking an APC female member with horse tails.
The APC expressed concern that the alleged attacks could trigger reprisal attacks by its members and supporters, thereby escalating the situation into a wider security crisis.
It therefore called on the Osun State Police Command to urgently investigate the reported incidents, identify those responsible and prosecute suspects found culpable.
The party also appealed to Governor Adeleke to call his supporters to order and prevent further attacks on opposition members.
“We condemn in its entirety the needless violent attacks of our members by the Accord Party hoodlums as it’s a threat to public peace capable of plunging the state into a full-blown crisis should there be reprisal attacks by our members,” the statement said.
The APC alleged that some persons claiming to be illegal local government council chairmen had attempted to force their way into various council premises with the assistance of armed political thugs.
It also alleged that some persons claiming to be executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) had attempted to take control of motor parks across the state through the use of alleged thugs
.
The party warned that the development could further heighten tension in the post-election period if not urgently addressed by the security agencies.
It urged the police to protect APC members and supporters and ensure that all allegations of violence were thoroughly investigated, irrespective of the political affiliation of those involved.
The APC said Governor Adeleke had a responsibility to manage his electoral victory responsibly and prevent supporters from engaging in actions capable of undermining peace and stability in the state.
“Governor Adeleke should call his attack dogs who are unjustifiably attacking our members and supporters to order as the continuation of such could be a recipe for avoidable disturbance of public peace which may degenerate to an unimaginable level,” the party said.
The APC further urged its members and supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliatory violence, stressing that any reprisal attack could worsen the situation.
The party said the August 15 election had been concluded and that political differences should not become a reason for citizens to attack one another.
It called on all stakeholders, particularly political leaders and security agencies, to work towards restoring confidence and maintaining peace across the state.
