By Ayodele Oni
Three persons among whom is former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Mr Remi Abass, were confirmed dead in Osun State on Monday as the struggle to take over the Local Councils escalated among members of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the premises in broad daylight on Monday, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that sent people fleeing for safety.
“It happened suddenly. Gunshots rang out, and everyone ran,” a local resident recounted under anonymity.
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and restore calm,” said the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Opalola.
Abass was among the Local Government Chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but was sacked by the Federal High Court in Osogbo in November 2022.
Two more deaths have been recorded in Boripe Local Government Area following a violent clash between rival political groups allegedly linked to the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The victims, identified as Ege and Igara, were reportedly gunned down by suspected thugs. Sources revealed that Ege, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP, was his parents’ only son. His father is also a PDP member.
Another victim, identified as Yinka, a photographer, was shot and remains in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.
Trouble started when the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors elected during administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola attempted to resume at Local Government Secretariat across the State relying on a judgement by the Court of Appeal.
APC had said resumption by the Chairman and Councilors was consequent upon the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Akure, which upturned the judgement of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, that removed them.
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