The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the shooting of the Accord Party chairman in Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola, who is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Police spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the attack occurred around 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday in the MDS area of Osogbo.

According to him, two armed men riding on a motorcycle allegedly attacked Ajibola in what police described as an attempted murder.

Ojelabi said the command swiftly deployed tactical and conventional police teams to the scene after receiving a distress call.

“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,” he said.

He added that security operatives immediately launched a manhunt for the suspects, while exhibits recovered from the scene were undergoing forensic analysis.

“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,” Ojelabi stated.

The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

“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 statement added.

The command assured residents that no effort would be spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could aid the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has described the attack as disturbing and called for a thorough investigation.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government said Ajibola remained in critical condition at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital.

Alimi said one of the occupants of the vehicle conveying the Accord chairman recounted that they were returning from the MDS area when gunmen suddenly pursued them and opened fire.

According to the witness, the victims managed to escape to the nearby Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters, where they sought protection before the attackers fled.

The commissioner urged the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.

“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 colourations,” Alimi said.