The Osun State APC Media Cluster has raised the alarm over the recent violent attacks in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, alleging that political thugs linked to the Accord Party and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration were responsible for the violence.
The APC media group made the allegations on Monday during an emergency press briefing, where it condemned the killing of innocent residents, the alleged abduction and torture of an APC member, and the assault on police officers.
According to the group, the violence occurred earlier in the day at Naira and Kobo Junction, Ikire, where armed men allegedly attempted to take control of local transport hubs.
The APC claimed that the attack resulted in the deaths of commuters, a commercial driver and other travellers, while economic activities in the town were disrupted.
The group further alleged that the Divisional Police Officer of the Irewole Police Division and his men came under attack after responding to a distress call concerning the alleged abduction of an APC member.
It claimed that some police officers were assaulted and that service rifles were reportedly taken from them during the incident.
The APC identified individuals it alleged were involved in the violence as Soskid, T. Banson and Ayewo, whom it described as a wanted criminal. The party called for their immediate arrest and prosecution.
The group also linked the latest violence to previous political killings in Irewole, citing the murder of the former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Hon. Remi Abass, on February 17, 2025.
It alleged that the failure to prosecute those responsible for previous incidents had encouraged further violence in the area.
The APC Media Cluster also accused Senator Lere Oyewumi, Deputy Senate Minority Leader and Director-General of Governor Adeleke’s campaign, of allegedly coordinating and sponsoring the latest violence. The group called for an investigation into the allegation.
The APC further criticised Governor Adeleke, accusing him of failing to maintain law and order in the state in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State.
It appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, the Osun State Commissioner of Police and other security authorities to immediately intervene.
The party demanded the deployment of security personnel to Ikire, protection of local government secretariats and recovery of allegedly stolen police weapons.
It also called for the arrest and prosecution of those it accused of involvement in the violence, including their alleged political sponsors.
The APC, however, urged its members and residents across Osun State to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks.
“We commiserate with the families of those killed in Ikire today. We call on all APC members and residents of Osun State to remain calm, avoid reprisal actions, and allow security agencies to perform their duties,” the group said.
The APC Media Cluster maintained that Osun State belongs to all its citizens and urged authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of residents.
