The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that about 40 of its members have been killed in election-related violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, while condemning fresh attacks in Esa-Oke and Atakumasa East.
The party also condemned the alleged killing of Ayegbo Oladale, nephew of Oluwole Oke, Director-General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, who was reportedly shot alongside Taiwo Oluwadele around Oke’s family compound in Esa-Oke.
Remi Omowaiye, Head, Media and Publicity of the APC Campaign Council, who disclosed this on Thursday, said Oladale died from the attack, while Oluwadele remained in critical condition.
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Omowaiye also alleged that an associate of Sanya Omiri and three other APC members were shot in Atakumasa East on Thursday morning. He identified those allegedly attacked as Adebayo Dada, Idowu Laide, Ebuke Emmanuel and Adebiyi Ebenezer, adding that Dada sustained severe injuries.
Omowaiye said the latest incidents were among a series of attacks allegedly targeting APC members in the state, adding that five people were shot during preparations for the party’s planned final campaign rally in Ilesa, with four reportedly killed and another receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital.
“It is sad that we are being killed while the governor is playing the victim’s card. As I speak, we have lost about 40 of our members, and nothing has been done to stop this,” Omowaiye said.
He also alleged that a few days earlier in Ilesa, one of the prisoners released by the government was responsible for a killing in the area, although he did not provide further details.
Omowaiye said the alleged attacks had continued despite the proximity of the election, adding that the party expected authorities to take steps to protect its members and supporters.
He said, “Yesterday, the nephew of the Director-General of our campaign council, Honourable Oluwole Oke, Ayegbo Oladale and Taiwo Oluwadele were shot around Honourable Oluwole Oke’s family compound in Esa-Oke.
“Unfortunately, we lost Ayegbo Oladale while Taiwo is still in a very critical condition.
“Just this morning again, an associate of Honourable Sanya Omiri and three others were attacked. They were shot. Adebayo Dada’s own was severe. All members of the APC at Atakumosa East were shot at.”
When contacted, Abiodun Ojelabi, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed the attack.
