Chaos erupted in the Oyo township on Thursday as suspected political thugs launched a violent attack on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving at least three individuals hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries.
Former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honorable Isiaka Babatunde Kazeem popularly called ‘Arole’ confirmed the incident to westernmirror.com.ng when contacted.
According to Hon. Arole who represented Oyo East/West at the State Legislature on the platform of the APC in the 9th Assembly, the incident occurred around midday during an APC general meeting held at Idi-Ope open field at Akeetan area of the town in Oyo West LG.
The meeting, which drew a moderate crowd of party faithful and local leaders, was said to have been suddenly disrupted when a group of armed assailants stormed the venue.
The violent attack, according to Hon. Arole stemmed from the official coronation of Alaafin where another APC stalwart in the town; Engineer Idris Adeoye was said to have thrown a lavish party at a venue where party members thronged.
Engr. Adeoye was said to have embarked on aggressive grassroots mobilization for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.
He suggested that the attack may be politically motivated, possibly linked to gradually heightening political activities ahead of 2027.
The injured victims, whose identities have not yet been officially disclosed, are also said to be receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The former lawmaker however, condemned the attack, describing it as “an assault on democracy and cautioned against political violence noting that the world has moved past the era of violence in politics to intellectual engagement to curry support and popularity.
While confirming that the incident has already been reported at Ojongbodu Police Station, Ojongbodu area in Oyo West, Hon. Arole called on security agencies to launch an immediate investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We will not be cowed by violence. Our party remains committed to peaceful political engagement and will not tolerate any form of intimidation.
“We know this is all about 2027, the game has already started with increasing political activities by politicians. I hope that those behind this violent attack will be brought to book,” Hon. Arole said.