Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Gunmen suspected to be political thugs have attacked the Ilesa residence of the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Timothy Owoeye.
It was gathered that the gunmen invaded Owoeye’s residence around 2am on Wednesday, but were repelled by a combined team of Policemen and Department of State Services(DSS) personnel attached to him.
Narrating the attack at a press conference on Wednesday, Owoeye said: “In the early hours of today, 22nd February, an assassination attempt was made on my life if not for divine protection the story would have been different. I want to salute the security men who stood their ground to prevent the assailants from carrying out their aim.
“The attack was also extended to businesses of lawmakers representing Ilesa West state constituency, Hon. Wale Adedoyin and Hon. Folarin Fafowora, the immediate past Chairman of Ilesa West Central LCDA.”
Also, five members of the All Progressives Congress(APC) including ex-scribe of the party were reportedly killed at Eti Oni, Oke Aga and Ilesa, on Tuesday.
Reacting to the killings, the spokesperson of Tinubu/Shettima campaign organisation in Osun State and immediate past Comissioner for Works, Engr Remi Omowaiye condemned the killings of its members in Ijesa land.
He lamented that the police in the state is not taking any action to arrest killers of APC members and supporters.
He said: “Prominent among the APC members killed in Ijesa land on Tuesday, is Ibrahim Adebiyi. He was shot at a close range at Ward 5 in Eti Oni, Atakumosa East Local Government Council Area. Four other members of APC were killed in Ilesa on Tuesday afternoon as booming of gunshots rented the air at the Bolorunduro area of the town when the PDP thugs who were on rampage started shooting indiscriminately.”
However, the caretaker chairman of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the state, Dr Akindele Adekunle, in a statement alleged that APC unleashed thugs on the party’s members, killing two persons and leaving another one in coma.
“After our successful campaign rally in Ilesa, Osun APC unleashed their killer squad into the public and started shooting sporadically and targeting PDP members who enthusiastically welcome the campaign train of our party led by Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of the State. As a result of this devilish act from them, two members of our party (PDP) from Ilesa West area were shot dead with the third one in coma,” he said.
Meanwhile, Osun State Police Command have confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the mayhem in Ilesa and it’s environ.
The command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, said efforts is in the top gear to arrest other perpetrators of the dastardly act.
She noted that law and order has been restored to the areas, adding that investigation had commenced.
