Osun Guber: Two Feared Dead, Four Shot as Gunmen Attack APC Supporters In Ilesa

Two persons were reportedly killed while two others sustained critical injuries when suspected political thugs allegedly opened fire on supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilesa, Osun State, on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. around the Igbogi area of Ilesa, where APC supporters had gathered ahead of the party’s final campaign rally scheduled to commence at 8 a.m.

The shooting, which reportedly threw the area into confusion, occurred as party supporters were preparing to move to the venue of the final rally.

Sources said the attackers, allegedly armed with pump-action rifles, stormed the gathering and opened fire on the supporters before fleeing the area.

A resident, identified as Sola, said the gathering had been organised as the take-off point for the party’s final campaign activities in the town.

According to him, the supporters were already preparing for the rally when the incident occurred.

“We were preparing for our final rally today. Our leaders directed us to converge at Igbogi for the take-off, which was scheduled for 8 a.m.

“But around 7:30 a.m., the thugs stormed the venue and started shooting sporadically. Four people were shot. It is unfortunate, especially coming barely three days after a similar incident involving members of the Amotekun Corps,” he said.

The Media Head of the APC Campaign Council, Oluremi Omowaiye, who confirmed the incident, said four party supporters were shot during the attack.

Omowaiye claimed that two of the victims had died, while the remaining two were in critical condition.

He also disclosed that the APC Women Leader in Ilesa was among those injured and was receiving treatment at the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.

“Four of our supporters were shot. Two of them are dead, while two others are in critical condition. The woman leader of our party in Ilesa is one of the victims and is currently gasping for breath at Wesley Guild Hospital,” he said.

The reported attack comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State, with political parties intensifying their campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

It also comes days after an alleged attack involving personnel of the Osun State Amotekun Corps in Ilesa, further raising concerns over the security situation in the state ahead of the election.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to officially confirm the number of casualties or provide details on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Osun State Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, when contacted, said he would make findings and provide further details.

The latest incident has heightened concerns among residents and political stakeholders over the need for increased security measures as the state approaches Saturday’s governorship election.