The Osun State Government has strongly condemned the attack on the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area, Hon. Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.
Hon. Ajibola reportedly sustained gunshot injuries when suspected gunmen opened fire on his vehicle around 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday at the Osogbo Community Bank axis of the MDS area in Osogbo, the state capital.
Reacting to the development, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, called on security agencies, particularly the police, to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
According to Alimi, the government is deeply concerned about the incident and will not support any act capable of threatening peace and security in the state.
“It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated. The culprits must be brought to book,” the Commissioner stated.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force to carry out its investigation professionally, without fear or favour, stressing that all available evidence surrounding the attack should be thoroughly examined.
“We are therefore calling on the police to carry out their investigation professionally in unearthing the masterminds of the attack, which from all available indices appears to have elements of political coloration,” Alimi added.
Reports indicated that the assailants, suspected to be armed men, intercepted and repeatedly fired at a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and some of his associates in a commando-style operation.
One of the victims who survived the attack recounted that they were returning from the MDS area when the gunmen suddenly trailed and opened fire on their vehicle. The occupants reportedly escaped to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo, where they sought protection before the attackers fled.
Following the incident, the matter was reported to the police, while the injured party chairman was rushed to the Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The state government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across Osun State and urged residents to remain calm while security agencies carry out their investigations.
The government also expressed hope for the speedy recovery of Hon. Ajibola and assured the public that every effort would be made to ensure that those behind the attack are identified and prosecuted.
