By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned what it described as the alleged violent attacks on its members and supporters at Iree, Boripe Local Government Area of the state, five days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Ademola Adeleke winner of the August 15 governorship election.
It alleged that no fewer than 10 of its members and supporters had been critically injured, while several properties, including business premises belonging to APC supporters, were reportedly destroyed during the attacks.
The party said in a statement, by its state spokesman, Mr Kola Olabisi, that the victims identified as Ige Kayode, Oyeniyi Segun, Oladosu Yinka, Sobalaje Ibraheem and Peter Korede Adejare, among others, were receiving treatment in hospitals at Iree and neighbouring communities.
Olabisi alleged that the attacks began following the declaration of the election results and accused suspected supporters of the Accord Party of being behind the violence.
He further alleged that the major motor park at Iree was demolished, while several business premises belonging to APC members were attacked at different locations in the town.
The APC spokesman also raised concerns over a viral video purportedly showing the Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, questioning one of the alleged victims at his residence.
According to the party, a petition written by counsel to some of the affected APC members, Abiodun Olaide, and forwarded to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibraheem Gotan, accused one Gbadamosi Ibraheem, popularly known as Gbedu Lasisi Oyekanmi Bintin Laye, and other persons said to be at large of allegedly spearheading the attacks.
The APC also linked the development to political tensions that preceded the governorship election.
The party recalled that weeks before the election, the traditional ruler was reported to have visited Governor Adeleke and expressed confidence that the governor would secure an overwhelming victory in Iree.
The monarch was also reportedly said to have claimed that the people of Iree had endorsed Adeleke for a second term.
The claim, according to the APC, generated reactions within the community, prompting its Iree chapter to clarify that any endorsement attributed to the monarch did not represent the collective position of the people
.
The party maintained that a significant number of residents, particularly youths, remained sympathetic to the APC.
It further pointed to the election result at Iree as evidence of its support in the community, saying the APC defeated the Accord Party in the area despite the earlier claim of overwhelming support for Governor Adeleke.
The APC expressed particular concern over allegations that some of its members who were attacked were subsequently taken to the palace of the traditional ruler for questioning.
According to the party, the victims were allegedly subjected to pressure to implicate some APC leaders in matters with which they had no connection.
The party also alleged that there was a directive to demolish the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) garage in Iree because of the political affiliations of some of its members.
The allegations, which have not been independently established, have heightened political tension in the community, with the APC claiming that residents and political supporters are increasingly concerned about their safety.
The party therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), other relevant security agencies and the Federal Government to urgently intervene and investigate the allegations.
It also demanded a comprehensive investigation into the reported attacks and urged the authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable of violence, intimidation or destruction of property.
The APC said it remained committed to peace, democracy and the rule of law, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence or become a justification for intimidation and destruction of people’s means of livelihood.
The party urged politicians and residents of Iree to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the allegations and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
