Tension erupted in Ibadan on Wednesday after suspected street thugs allegedly attacked the political procession of Accord governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, in the Molete area, leaving some supporters injured and vehicles vandalised.

The incident disrupted a procession organised by hundreds of supporters to welcome Hamzat back to Nigeria from the United Kingdom, raising concerns over political violence and the safety of political activities in the state.

The procession, which took place in Molete, within Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, reportedly turned chaotic when the suspected attackers allegedly ambushed the supporters and pelted them with stones.

Some members of the group were reportedly injured, while several vehicles in the convoy were vandalised.

The incident heightened tensions as aggrieved supporters became increasingly agitated over the alleged assault. However, the intervention of Hamzat and security operatives reportedly helped calm the situation and prevent a possible reprisal attack.

Condemning the incident, the supporters described the alleged attack as an affront to democratic freedom, insisting that no individual or group should resort to violence to intimidate people over their political affiliations.

“This is democracy. You have the right to support any candidate of your choice. We ought to have outgrown this kind of politics of bitterness and thuggery in Oyo State,” one of the supporters said.

The group expressed dismay that a procession organised to welcome its candidate had been disrupted by violence, stressing that political differences should not threaten public peace or undermine citizens’ right to support candidates of their choice.

“Some of our members were injured during these unprovoked attacks. Also, some of the vehicles in our convoy were vandalised,” the supporters said.

Despite the incident, they maintained that the alleged attack would not deter them from supporting Hamzat’s governorship ambition, describing him as a peaceful politician.

“Hamzat is a man of peace. We have left the place,” they added.

The supporters said the procession would continue from the Ibadan Toll Gate end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and terminate at the headquarters of Agidigbo FM along the Iwo Road–Ojoo Expressway.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed awareness of the incident during a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

“I am aware of the attacks,” he said.