JUST IN: Gunshots Fired as PDP and APC Members Clash at LG Secretariat

Tensions escalate as gunshots are fired during a violent clash between PDP and APC members at a Local Government Secretariat. Authorities are investigating the incident.

On Monday, tensions rose in Osogbo when members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in a clash at the entrance to the Osogbo Central Local Government secretariat in Oke Baale.

Gunfire erupted when members of rival parties tried to enter the premises, causing residents and passersby to run from the area.

A correspondent observing the situation up close reported witnessing a man covered in blood involved in an intense altercation with another individual, who is allegedly associated with one of the political parties.

Amidst the chaos, the typically bustling Osogbo/Ibokun Road in front of the council secretariat was abandoned as people sought safety.

Armed police officers were observed at the secretariat entrance as the perpetrators of the gunfire discharged their weapons indiscriminately, inciting panic in the neighborhood.

At the Atakumosa West Local Government Secretariat, Festus Komolafe, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, led elected APC members into the premises. Nonetheless, they departed just minutes afterwards.

At the entrance of Egbedore Local Government Secretariat in Awo, PDP members with canes were seen singing and challenging APC members to come closer.

In Ayedaade LGA, members of the APC were reported to have arrived at the secretariat in Gbongan early in the morning.

Previously, officials elected under the APC platform in the Osun State local government elections on October 15, 2022, began their duties at the Boripe Local Government Secretariat in Iragbiji.

Nevertheless, APC members’ attempt to seize control of the Olorunda Local Government Secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo was met with resistance, resulting in increased tension within the area.

At approximately 9:20 am, when our correspondent reached the entrance of the Olorunda LGA secretariat, armed police officers were positioned at the junction leading to the premises.

A group of APC members assembled at the secretariat’s entrance was dispersed.

Officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, along with members of the Amotekun Corps, were also on site working to pacify discontented PDP members who had gathered at the secretariat’s entrance.

The gate was secured, and entry was prohibited.

Two individuals suspected of using their phones to record events from a building opposite the secretariat were beaten, and their phones were destroyed.

Individuals brandishing charms were also observed attacking those they found filming the scene on their mobile phones, further intensifying tensions.

Speaking to PDP members near the secretariat, Mr. Gani Olaoluwa, the Osun State Commissioner for Rural Development, encouraged them to maintain peace.

“We appreciate your response to our call. We will not permit any illegal takeover in this area, as no court judgment has reinstated them,” Olaoluwa stated.