By Boluwatife Adedokun
At least 15 members of the Accord Party have been reportedly killed in a fresh wave of election-related violence across several parts of Osun State, with the party accusing suspected All Progressives Congress (APC) gunmen of carrying out coordinated attacks in no fewer than seven local government areas.
The attacks, which allegedly occurred in Obokun, Odo Otin, Boripe, Irewole and other parts of the state, left several people injured, while houses belonging to party members were reportedly vandalised, looted and set ablaze.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Saturday, the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Pastor Victor Akande, alleged that armed political thugs launched simultaneous attacks on the party’s members and supporters in different communities.
According to the party, one of the worst-hit areas was Iree, where gunmen reportedly operated throughout the night.
The party alleged that several of its members sustained gunshot injuries during the attacks, while the palace of the Aree of Iree was riddled with bullets from multiple directions.
It added that at least five people within the palace were injured.
In Obokun Local Government Area, particularly in Esa-Oke, the party claimed that violence had continued unabated for two days, resulting in multiple casualties and the destruction of several houses.
The statement also alleged that security agencies had failed to bring the situation under control.
At Okuku in Odo Otin Local Government Area, the party claimed that more than 20 of its members were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds following separate attacks.
In Ikire, the party alleged that no fewer than 25 houses belonging to its members were invaded and vandalised, while family members of supporters were assaulted.
The residence of the Director-General of the party’s campaign, Senator Lere Oyewumi, was also reportedly affected.
The party further alleged that an APC House of Assembly candidate in Ifewara coordinated attacks against Accord supporters after he was arrested and subsequently released.
It also claimed that military personnel involved in the arrest had been suspended by naval authorities.
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones during the election-related violence and announced plans to establish an independent commission of inquiry.
“Every life lost is an Osun life. Politics should never cost anyone his or her life, irrespective of political affiliation,” the governor said.
He added that the commission, which will be inaugurated immediately after the election, would investigate all reported incidents of violence and recommend appropriate actions against those found culpable.
“The election will come and go, but we will remain one people. We owe the dead justice, their families compassion and the people of Osun a peaceful future,” the governor added.
As of the time of filing this report, the APC had yet to officially respond to the allegations.
The claims made by the Accord Party could not be independently verified.
