Osun Election: Accord Alleges At Least 15 Members Killed, Houses Burnt In Attacks By ‘APC Thugs’

 

According to the party, the palace of the Aree of Iree was also attacked, with gunmen allegedly firing from different directions.

The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has alleged that gunmen it described as “APC thugs” launched coordinated attacks on its members and supporters across several local government areas of the state, claiming that at least 15 of its members have been killed in the violence ahead of the Osun governorship election.

The party also alleged that several houses belonging to its members were attacked, vandalised, looted and, in some cases, burnt, while scores of supporters sustained gunshot injuries in different parts of the state.

In a statement issued in Osogbo and signed by its State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande on Friday, the party alleged that heavily armed assailants launched sporadic attacks across Obokun, Odo Otin, Boripe, Irewole and other local government areas.

Accord alleged that the violence was particularly intense in Iree, where gunmen reportedly operated throughout the night, leaving several party members injured.

According to the party, the palace of the Aree of Iree was also attacked, with gunmen allegedly firing from different directions.

It said five people sustained injuries during the attack on the palace.

The party further alleged that violence had continued in Obokun Local Government Area, with several houses reportedly burnt in Esa-Oke.

“The attacks and killings have continued unabated with several houses burnt at Esa Oke,” the statement said, adding that the violence started two days earlier and that security agencies had been unable to contain it.

In Odo Otin Local Government Area, Accord alleged that attacks occurred in Okuku and other communities, with more than 20 of its members reportedly receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

The party also alleged that supporters in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, were subjected to attacks, claiming that the homes of 25 Accord members were raided and their family members molested.

It said the affected houses were openly vandalised and that the attack extended to the residence of Senator Lere Oyewumi, the Director-General of the Accord campaign.

The party also made allegations concerning an incident at Ifewara involving an APC state assembly candidate who was previously arrested and later released.

According to Accord, the candidate was alleged to have coordinated sporadic attacks on its members and their residences in the area, resulting in several injuries.

“The military personnel who arrested the APC state assembly candidate and his gang members are reportedly suspended by the Naval Authorities,” the party alleged.

Accord further alleged that the reported suspension of the military personnel followed the arrest of the candidate and members of his alleged group.

The party also raised allegations of possible retaliatory attacks in Osogbo, claiming that five names of senior appointees of Governor Ademola Adeleke had been “pencilled down for attacks and arrest.”

It alleged that a manhunt had been launched for one of the appointees as of the time of issuing the statement.

The party further claimed that APC chieftain, Chief Tunde Badmus, had directed that one of the appointees should be arrested if he appeared at a polling booth.

The allegations come amid heightened political tension and security concerns as the state prepares for the governorship election, with political parties trading accusations over violence and the activities of suspected political thugs.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has expressed condolences to families of people who have lost their lives in violence linked to the election period.

Governor Adeleke said the state government would establish an independent commission of inquiry immediately after the election to investigate reported killings and other acts of violence.

“Every life lost is an Osun life. Politics should never cost anyone his or her life, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.

“The Government under my watch wishes to assure the people of Osun State that next Monday, immediately after the election, an Independent Commission of Inquiry will be constituted to investigate all reported killings and acts of violence connected with this election period.

“The Commission will establish the circumstances surrounding these incidents and recommend appropriate actions to ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation, position or influence.

“The Government will also put in place a framework to support and compensate the families of those who lost their lives. The memories of all victims will be appropriately honoured.”

“The election will come and go, but we will remain one people. We owe the dead justice, their families compassion, and the people of Osun a peaceful future,” the governor added.

The government’s decision to investigate the incidents comes as Accord continues to allege that its members and supporters have been targeted in coordinated attacks across several parts of the state.

There has been tension in the state ahead Saturday’s governorship election.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS