JUST IN: Gunshots erupt as PDP, APC members clash at LG secretariat

Tension escalated in Osogbo on Monday as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed at the entrance of the Osogbo Central Local Government secretariat in Oke Baale.

Gunshots rang out as rival party members attempted to gain access to the premises, forcing residents and passersby to flee the area.

A correspondent who monitored the situation from a close distance reported seeing a man covered in blood engaged in a fierce altercation with another suspected hoodlum, allegedly affiliated with one of the political parties.

During the chaos, the usually busy Osogbo/Ibokun Road, which runs in front of the council secretariat, was deserted as people sought safety.

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Armed police operatives were seen at the entrance to the secretariat, while the hoodlums responsible for the gunfire shot sporadically, causing panic in the neighbourhood.

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

In Egbedore Local Government Secretariat, Awo, PDP members wielding canes were seen singing at the entrance, daring APC members to approach them.

In Ayedaade LGA, APC members reportedly arrived at the secretariat in Gbongan early in the morning.

Earlier, officials elected on the platform of the APC in the 15 October 2022 local government elections in Osun State resumed at the Boripe Local Government Secretariat in Iragbiji.

However, an attempt by APC members to take over the Olorunda Local Government Secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo, was resisted, leading to heightened tension in the area.

When our correspondent arrived at the entrance to the Olorunda LGA secretariat at around 9:20 am, armed police operatives were stationed at the junction leading to the premises.

Some APC members who had gathered at the secretariat’s entrance were dispersed.

Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and members of the Amotekun Corps were also present, attempting to calm aggrieved PDP members, who had positioned themselves at the entrance to the secretariat.

The gate was locked, and no one was allowed in.

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

Hoodlums wielding charms were also seen assaulting those they caught recording the scene on their mobile phones, further escalating tensions.

Addressing PDP members near the secretariat, the Osun State Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr Gani Olaoluwa, urged them to remain peaceful.

“We thank you for heeding our call. We won’t allow any illegal takeover here. No court judgement restored them,” Olaoluwa said.