Gunshots rang out on Monday at the gate of Osogbo Central Local Government Area, Oke Baale, as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed while attempting to gain control of the council secretariat.
A correspondent monitoring the situation witnessed a bloodied man in a violent altercation with another individual, suspected to be a political thug. The gunfire caused panic, forcing residents and commuters to flee the Osogbo/Ibokun Road, which passes in front of the secretariat.
Tensions Escalate Across Local Governments
Security forces, including armed police officers, were stationed at the entrance of the secretariat, but sporadic gunshots from suspected hoodlums heightened fears in the area.
At the Atakumosa West Local Government Secretariat, a former Osun State House of Assembly member, Festus Komolafe, led APC members into the premises but left shortly afterward. Meanwhile, in Egbedore Local Government Secretariat, Awo, PDP members, armed with canes, were seen singing and challenging APC members to confront them.
In Ayedaade LGA, APC members reportedly arrived at the secretariat in Gbongan early in the morning, intensifying the political standoff.
Security Presence in Olorunda LGA
The crisis also extended to the Olorunda Local Government Secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo, where an attempt by APC members to seize control was met with resistance, further escalating tensions. Armed police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel, and Amotekun operatives were deployed to restore order.
At about 9:20 a.m., security agents were seen blocking access to the Olorunda secretariat, preventing entry. PDP members, angered by the APC’s attempt to reclaim the premises, gathered outside, refusing to back down.
Amid the chaos, two individuals accused of recording the incident from a nearby building were attacked, with their phones smashed. Hoodlums wielding charms also assaulted others found capturing the confrontation on their mobile devices.
Government Appeals for Calm
Addressing PDP supporters near the Olorunda secretariat, Osun State Commissioner for Rural Development, Gani Olaoluwa, urged them to remain peaceful.
“We thank you for heeding our call. We won’t allow any illegal takeover here. No court judgment restored them,” he stated.
The situation remains tense, with security agencies on high alert as political parties continue to battle for control of the local government secretariats.
More updates to follow…
