Gunmen suspected to be hoodlums on Wednesday opened fire on the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, shortly after he left the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The incident, which sparked panic in the area, reportedly lasted between 12 and 15 minutes as the governor’s security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
Adeleke had earlier visited the palace after collecting his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo, following his re-election.
The governor arrived at the monarch’s palace at about 3:15pm in a convoy of roughly 20 vehicles and was received by the traditional ruler. He was said to have presented his certificate to the monarch during the visit.
According to an eyewitness, trouble began shortly after the meeting ended and prayers had been offered. The governor had reportedly entered his vehicle with some aides when gunshots rang out.
The witness said the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna bus through the Ita Olokan axis and opened fire around the palace. Security personnel attached to the governor reportedly returned fire, forcing the assailants to retreat.
A trader in the area, identified as Munirat, said the attackers also damaged part of the palace gate during the assault. She added that traders and residents abandoned their businesses and fled for safety as the shooting continued.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the attackers as hoodlums and said the governor’s security team successfully repelled them. He added that no casualty was recorded.
“They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” Alimi said.
As of about 4:45pm, sporadic gunshots were still reportedly being heard around the area, while some business owners had shut their shops amid fears of further violence.
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