Thugs attack PDP members in Idanre, police react

A group of political thugs on Wednesday allegedly disturbed peace in Idanre community, the headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area of ​​Ondo State, 72 hours ahead of the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday.

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday, was carried out on some members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the community, a development that has raised concerns as the campaign had gone on for weeks without any untoward incident.

Blame

Director, Media and Publicity of PDP In the local government, Adeyemi Fasoranti and another member, Bosade Salami, alleged that the attack was carried out by thugs loyal to the ruling APC.

He said the attack occurred as a result of PDP's successful campaign on Tuesday.

According to Mr. Fasoranti, one armed Oyewole Aderemi (Gulder) and another suspected thug popularly known as Osha had allegedly threatened to kill as many people as possible before and during the election.

He further alleged that the criminals would not be arrested because they were working for the ruling party in the state.

Ms Salami expressed concern that the lives of PDP members were being threatened by suspected political thugs and cultists allegedly invited by political gladiators in the city.

He said: “We want to use this opportunity to remind the sponsors of these violent acts that elections should not be treated as a war.

“If you are confident in the ability of your party to win Idanre, there is no need to resort to hooliganism or violence against voters.”

The victim was taken to the hospital

Sources revealed that some members of the PDP sustained varying degrees of injuries, one of whom is Olowunyi Akinleyeminu.

Mr Akinleyeminu was said to be taken to the Intensive Care Unit of the State Specialist Hospital in Akure, the state capital.

police respond

The Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident while promising to bring the culprits to justice.

He said the command “has intensified efforts to address the Idanre rivalry phenomenon, which has emerged amid preparations for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.”

Ms Odunlami-Omisanya said: “In light of recent developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence a full-scale investigation into the matter.

“It is important to note that CP Oladipo had earlier called for a peace meeting on November 12, 2024, which brought together leaders of the two major political parties in the area.

“During the meeting, he urged them to take all necessary precautions to maintain peace and prevent their supporters from inciting violence. However, despite these efforts, unrest broke out overnight, resulting in firing and deterioration of public order.

He said the case, which escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently being investigated to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and peace is restored to the area, “especially given the history of the state.” At such a critical juncture.”

He said: “The CP has made it clear that the command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly, who indulges in or permits such activities which, in the run-up to the elections, “Can disrupt peace during or after that.”

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The spokesperson further said that the police urge the people of Ondo State to use the command’s control line on 07034313903 or report any suspicious activities on “our social media handles: X – @OndoPoliceNG, Facebook – Ondo Police Command, Instagram – OndoPoliceCommand”. Encourages to.