Accord Party Chairman Survives Assassination Attempt in Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the shooting of the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola.

Ajibola was attacked by suspected gunmen on Wednesday night in the MDS area of Osogbo and is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUN), Osogbo.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the attack occurred at about 9:50 p.m. when two armed men riding a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on the politician in what has been described as an attempted murder.

According to the police, officers responded swiftly after receiving a distress call and evacuated the victim to a medical facility for treatment.

Ojelabi disclosed that medical personnel confirmed that Ajibola is in stable condition and responding positively to treatment.

He added that security operatives immediately launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, while exhibits recovered from the scene have been subjected to forensic examination as part of ongoing investigations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the attack and directed relevant units of the command to deploy all available resources to identify and arrest those responsible.

The police assured residents that every effort would be made to bring the perpetrators to justice and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could aid the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has condemned the attack and called for a thorough and professional investigation.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government described the incident as unfortunate and stressed the need to ensure that those behind the attack are identified and prosecuted.

Alimi said one of the occupants of the vehicle conveying Ajibola alleged that the gunmen opened fire on them while they were returning from the MDS area.

According to him, the occupants reportedly escaped to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters for safety before the attackers fled the scene.

The commissioner urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation without fear or favour, noting that preliminary indications suggest the incident may have political undertones.

He maintained that the perpetrators must be brought to justice to prevent a recurrence and reassure residents of their safety.