Gunmen shoot Osun Accord chairman, police launch investigation

The Osun State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the shooting of the Accord Party chairman in Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola.

 

Ajibola was shot by suspected gunmen on Wednesday night in the MDS area of Osogbo and is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUN), Osogbo.

 

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abiodun Ojelabi, said in a statement on Thursday that the incident occurred around 9:50 p.m. when two armed men riding on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on the victim in what the command described as an attempted murder.

 

According to the statement, police operatives responded to a distress call, evacuated the victim to a medical facility and immediately launched a manhunt for the attackers.

 

“A team of police officers swiftly evacuated the victim to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment. Medical personnel have confirmed that Hon. Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment.

 

“Simultaneously, other operational teams launched an aggressive pursuit of the fleeing suspects in an effort to apprehend them and bring them to justice. Preliminary investigation at the scene led to the recovery of exhibits which are currently being subjected to forensic analysis,” the statement said.

 

Ojelabi added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and directed all relevant units to deploy available resources to identify and arrest those responsible.

 

“He has directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution.

 

“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation. Citizens are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and provide credible information that may assist the police in tracking down the perpetrators,” he added.

 

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.

 

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government confirmed that Ajibola was receiving treatment at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital.

 

Alimi said one of the occupants of the vehicle conveying the Accord chairman alleged that gunmen opened fire on the vehicle around 9:50 p.m. while they were returning from the MDS area of Osogbo.

 

According to him, the occupants escaped to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters for safety before the attackers fled the scene.

 

The commissioner urged security agencies to ensure that those behind the attack were identified and prosecuted.

 

“It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated. The culprits must be brought to book.

 

“We are therefore calling on the police to carry out their investigation professionally, without fear or favour, in unearthing the masterminds of the attack, which from all available indices, has elements of political coloration,” Alimi said.