One Feared D£ad, 30 !njured In Osun Accord Primaries As APC Demands Arrest Of ‘Criminal Aides’ In Government House
One Feared Dead, 30 Injured In Osun Accord Primaries As APC Demands Arrest Of ‘Criminal Aides’ In Government House
In a statement issued on Sunday, and signed by its Head of Media and Publicity Committee, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the APC campaign council described the incident as a “disturbing picture of chaos and bloodshed.”
The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has raised the alarm over reported violence that trailed the factional Accord Party primaries in parts of the state, alleging that the exercise left one person dead and several others injured.
In a statement issued on Sunday, and signed by its Head of Media and Publicity Committee, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the APC campaign council described the incident as a “disturbing picture of chaos and bloodshed.”
“Reports emerging from different parts of the state paint a disturbing picture of chaos and bloodshed arising from what should ordinarily have been a peaceful democratic exercise,” the statement read.
The APC alleged that internal party primaries had been marred by violence, contrary to democratic expectations.
“Internal party primaries are expected to be a celebration of democracy and an opportunity for members to freely choose their representatives,” it said. “Sadly, what has been witnessed in the last two days has been the direct opposite, confirming the Accord as a killer-party that sucks blood of innocent citizens for survival and power which the public must avoid.”
The council claimed that several members of the Accord Party and other residents sustained varying degrees of injuries during the exercise.
“According to reports available to us, several members of the Accord Party and innocent citizens have suffered varying degrees of injuries, while lives have reportedly been lost as a result of the violence that accompanied the exercise,” it stated.
Particularly, the APC alleged that a woman identified as Mrs. Taliat Simbiat from Ward 3 in Iwo Local Government Area died during the unrest, while at least 30 others were injured.
“Particularly troubling are reports from Iwo Local Government Area indicating that Mrs Taliat Simbiat of Ward 3, Iwo, lost her life during the violence, while no fewer than 30 persons reportedly sustained serious injuries in the local government,” the statement added.
The party extended condolences to the bereaved family and called for accountability.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wish those injured a speedy recovery,” it said.
The APC campaign council also accused the state government of tolerating and allegedly shielding violent elements, urging Governor Ademola Adeleke to take responsibility.
“The APC Campaign Council urges Governor Ademola Adeleke to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting all those responsible for the killing of Mrs Taliat Simbiat and numerous citizens who sustained injuries. He must not play ostrich this time around,” it said.
It further called for the arrest of certain individuals allegedly linked to the incident.
“The APC Campaign Council charges Governor Adeleke to hand to the police Emir Ajagungbade, Nurudeen Alawonle and other criminal aides of his hiding in the Government House Okefia,” the statement added.
The council warned against what it described as the politicisation of violence and urged respect for human life.
“The sanctity of human life must remain paramount, and the governor must demonstrate a commitment to peace, civility and democratic values,” it stated.
