The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned attacks on members of the Accord Party across parts of the state, including Ile-Ife, Ede, Osogbo and surrounding communities.
He accused “pro-APC political thugs” of carrying out the violence and warned that no political ambition is worth the blood or suffering of innocent citizens.
He also called for swift intervention by security agencies to prevent further escalation.
In a statement issued on the incident, Governor Adeleke urged President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to take urgent action.
He also called on opposition figures in the state, including former governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, to rein in their supporters.
Following reports of the violence, Adeleke said he personally visited affected communities and also met victims receiving treatment at the Osun State Teaching Hospital in Osogbo and a cottage hospital in Ede.
He also visited the Accord Party chairman in Osogbo who reportedly survived a gunshot attack in a previous incident.
The governor expressed sympathy with victims and their families, assuring them that his administration would not abandon them. He directed security agencies to investigate the attacks thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation.
He further appealed for calm across the state, stressing that political differences must never degenerate into violence.
According to him, democracy should be built on dialogue, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law.
“Political differences must never degenerate into violence, intimidation, or attacks on citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Democracy thrives on dialogue, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
The governor added that additional security agencies have stepped up surveillance in vulnerable areas as efforts continue to restore calm in Osun State.