By Ade Oyeyemi
The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into an attack on supporters of the Accord Party governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, in Ibadan, which left one person dead.
The supporters were reportedly welcoming Hamzat back to the state capital when suspected hoodlums attacked them while they were heading towards Iwo Road, where the Agidigbo FM office is located.
The police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the incident was reported to the police by Kehinde Samuel Ibikunle.
According to the command, the group came under attack shortly after leaving the Molete area of Ibadan.
One of the victims, Azeez Tajudeen, 40, from Oke Amu in Otesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, sustained a severe injury to his right eye during the incident.
He was initially rushed for medical attention before being taken to the State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, where he was examined and confirmed dead.
The deceased’s remains have been deposited in the hospital’s morgue.
The Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Olugbenga Abimbola, has directed that the case be transferred to the command’s Monitoring Unit for a thorough and discreet investigation aimed at identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
The command also stressed the need for proper security arrangements for political gatherings and public processions.
It urged political aspirants, party leaders and event organisers to notify the police at least 48 hours before planned gatherings or processions to enable officers to make adequate security arrangements and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The police further appealed to members of the public with credible information about the attack to come forward and assist investigators.
