Gunmen Shoot Osun Accord LG Chairman, Police React

The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, was on Wednesday night shot by suspected gunmen in Osogbo, in what authorities have described as an attempted murder. 

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The incident has since triggered a full-scale police investigation.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 9:50pm around the MDS axis of Osogbo, close to the Osogbo Community Bank area, throwing residents into panic as rapid gunfire echoed through the neighbourhood.

An eyewitness said the assailants targeted a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and some of his associates, chasing the vehicle and opening fire repeatedly in what appeared to be a coordinated assault. 

The source added that the attackers trailed the car through the area before unleashing volleys of bullets.

“We were coming from the MDS area of Osogbo at about 9:50pm when the armed men suddenly pursued us and started shooting at the vehicle,” the witness said, adding that the occupants were forced to flee for safety.

The victims were said to have escaped the scene and taken refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo after the attackers eventually fled. 

Ajibola was later rushed to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Reacting to the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and unacceptable, while urging security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation. 

He also suggested that the incident may not be unconnected with political interests, calling for professionalism and fairness in the probe.

In a statement, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the shooting. 

Police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said two armed men, who were riding on a motorcycle, allegedly carried out the attack before fleeing the scene.

The statement added that police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call, evacuated the victim for medical attention, and deployed tactical teams to track down the fleeing suspects. 

It further noted that exhibits recovered from the scene were undergoing forensic analysis to aid investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the attack and ordered a high-level investigation into the incident, directing all relevant units to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted once identified.