The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, has been shot by suspected gunmen in what authorities have described as an attempted murder.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, sparked tension in parts of Osogbo as residents reported hearing repeated gunshots around the MDS area near the Osogbo Community Bank axis at about 9:50 pm.
Eyewitnesses said the incident involved armed men who reportedly trailed a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and his associates before opening fire on the vehicle.
One resident, who pleaded anonymity, said the attackers pursued the car and rained bullets on it in what appeared to be a coordinated assault.
“We were around the MDS axis at about 9:50 pm when suddenly armed men chased the vehicle and started shooting repeatedly at it,” the source said.
Another eyewitness disclosed that the victims managed to escape the scene and sought refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo after the attackers fled.
The Accord chairman was later rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.
Reacting to the incident, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the shooting, describing it as a serious security concern that must not go uninvestigated.
He urged security agencies to thoroughly probe the attack and ensure that those behind it are brought to justice, noting that early indications could not rule out political undertones.
Alimi stressed that the police must carry out a professional and impartial investigation into the matter.
In a statement, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that it had commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the attack occurred along the MDS axis when two armed men, reportedly on a motorcycle, opened fire on Ajibola’s vehicle.
He said police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call, evacuated the victim to a medical facility, and launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
According to him, medical personnel have confirmed that the victim is in stable condition and responding to treatment.
Ojelabi added that forensic analysis of exhibits recovered from the scene is ongoing to aid the identification and arrest of the attackers.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has also ordered a discreet and high-level investigation into the incident, directing tactical units to intensify efforts to track down those responsible and ensure their prosecution.
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