The ongoing ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State descended into violence on Wednesday, leaving two people dead and three others injured in Idanre Local Government Area.
The crisis erupted barely 24 hours after suspected political thugs attacked the APC Secretariat in Akure, disrupting a stakeholders’ meeting presided over by the state chairman, Ade Adetimehin. During Tuesday’s attack, the chairman and other party leaders were reportedly assaulted, while at least 15 elders sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
On Wednesday, suspected hoodlums allegedly stormed some wards in Idanre, preventing the congress from holding. Vehicles were reportedly set ablaze during the unrest.
One of the victims was identified as Raphael Adetimehin, brother of the state APC chairman. Confirming the incident, Ade Adetimehin said his brother was attacked at his ward by gunmen who allegedly mistook him for the chairman because of their striking resemblance.
“My brother was attacked; those who attacked him thought I was the one because we resemble each other very well,” Adetimehin said. “After shooting and stabbing him, they left him when they thought he was dead. I don’t know why we are taking politics to this extent.”
In a statement, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that two persons were killed and three others injured in the attack, which occurred around 11 a.m. He added that a vehicle was set ablaze during the incident.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, alongside the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, CC Oluyemi Ibiloye, led a joint security team to the scene, restoring calm to the affected area.
“Three victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention, while two others were confirmed dead at the hospital,” the statement said, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
The police urged residents to remain calm, assuring that additional tactical teams had been deployed to secure the area and prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, APC elders in the state, under the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, condemned Tuesday’s attack on the party secretariat in Akure, describing it as a violation of democratic principles and party discipline.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Pa Erastus Akeju, the forum described the assault and public humiliation of the APC chairman and other leaders as “utterly reprehensible.”
The elders called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging him to ensure accountability and restore order within the party. They also appealed to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Working Committee to conduct a thorough investigation and impose appropriate sanctions.
The forum warned that silence in the face of such violence would embolden impunity and threaten the integrity of the party.
