By Ayodele Oni, Akure
Palpable fear has enveloped Idanre community, Ondo State, following the gruesome murder of a politician, who is a member of Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP) by yet to be identified assailants.
The incident led to the disruption of business and social activities in the community, on Thursday, when the news spread as residents trooped to the streets protesting the gruesome killing of the young man, simply identified as Taye.
Idanre is the country home of the Chairman of APC in the state, Mr Ade Adetimehin.
The incident, according to reports, happened late on Wednesday at Alade area of Idanre when alleged some suspected members of APC, allegedly led by one Sunday Ogundiroyo (Aka Agarahu) and Bola Akinniranye, invaded the community.
Taye’s murder has triggered political tension in Idanre and neighbouring communities as protesters made bonfires at different points on the major roads leading to the local government headquarters.
Sources revealed that the deceased was trailed to Alade area of Idanre by his killers, and brutally hacked to death.
An eye witness account, which was corroborated by the Police , claimed that “the deceased (Taye) was attacked and killed at Alade on Wednesday, around 9:00 pm, and those who led the thugs to perpetrate the crime have ran for cover, but we have declared them wanted.
“When has it become a crime to be a member of an opposition party in this state? These sponsored thugs killed the man because he simply put on the face cap of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and was our main supporter in the community.
“The body of Taye has been deposited at the General Hospital in Idanre, and the police have begun investigations into his killing.”
Mr. Ademehintoye Claudus, the Chairman of the ZLP in Idanre, who confirmed the incident, alleged that the thugs who killed Taye were sponsored by some chieftains of the APC who had been attacking members of the opposition parties in the Idanre community.
He said: “Taye was killed by the APC thugs yesterday because he was canvassing support for the ZLP being a member of our party.
“And what happened has also confirmed that the APC is calling for war in this election because members have been attacking us unchallenged.
“In fact, the party has broken the peace accord reached at the palace of the Monarch of Idanre with other political parties ahead of this contest.
“We have appealed to our members and supporters to remain calm even in the face of this provocation and asked them not to take laws into their own hands.”
The ZLP Chairman disclosed that they have informed the security operatives about the killing, adding that his party would seek justice for the deceased.
The Director of Media and Publicity of the APC in the state, Steve Otaloro, when contacted claimed he was not aware of the incident, and promised to react after getting details of the incident.
Confirming the killing, the Public Relations Officer for the state Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Teo-Leo Ìkorò said “There was political skirmish last night in Idanre during which one person was killed. It was a mob action.
“A detachment of Policemen has been sent to the town to maintain law and order.
“Investigation has commenced with intention to arrest the culprits involved in the incident.”
The Ondo State Governorship election is scheduled for October 10.
