Violence erupted in parts of Oyo State on Saturday as suspected thugs attacked the residence of former Deputy Governor, Barrister Hazim Gbolarumi, during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government congress organised by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The incident is linked to the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP in the state, where two rival factions currently exist — one loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde and the other aligned with Wike.

Sources gathered that the Wike-backed faction held its local government congresses across the state on Saturday, but the exercise was marred by violence in several areas.

At least 25 people were reportedly injured, while properties including houses and vehicles were vandalised in multiple local government areas.

The affected areas include Ibadan North, Ido, Ibarapa Central, Akinyele and Ogbomoso North local government areas.

The residence of Gbolarumi, located in the Bodija area of Ibadan North Local Government Area, was among properties attacked by the suspected hoodlums.

Sources said properties worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attack.

Chairman of the Wike-aligned PDP faction in Oyo State, Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed the incidents, alleging that thugs were moving across local government areas attacking individuals and damaging properties.

“There may be a need to upgrade the damages. More than 25 vehicles have been reported damaged. They are moving round the local governments, attacking individuals at home. Buildings were damaged,” Akinoso said.

The Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, also confirmed the incident, noting that security agencies had commenced efforts to apprehend those responsible.

According to him, the police had received a report regarding the attack on Gbolarumi’s residence.

“It is an internal affair of a political party. It did not happen at the congress venue; it happened outside the congress venues.

“We received a report of the attack on the residence of a former deputy governor. The Commissioner of Police has ordered the arrest of the hoodlums. We are on top of the matter,” Ayanlade stated.

The incident underscores the deepening divisions within the PDP in Oyo State as rival factions continue to jostle for control ahead of future political contests.