The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as “Baba Isila”, was on Wednesday night shot by suspected gunmen in Osogbo in what authorities have described as an attempted assassination.
The incident, which occurred around 9:50 p.m. near the MDS area of Osogbo, close to Osogbo Community Bank, has sparked widespread concern and prompted a full-scale investigation by the Osun State Police Command.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers targeted a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and some of his associates. The gunmen reportedly pursued the vehicle before opening fire repeatedly in what appeared to be a coordinated attack.
An eyewitness narrated that the assailants trailed the vehicle through the area and unleashed a barrage of gunshots, forcing the occupants to flee for safety.
“We were coming from the MDS area of Osogbo at about 9:50 p.m. when the armed men suddenly pursued us and started shooting at the vehicle,” the source said.
The victims reportedly escaped the attack and sought refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo after the gunmen fled the scene.
Ajibola sustained injuries during the attack and was subsequently rushed to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Reacting to the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and unacceptable. He urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Alimi also suggested that the attack could have political undertones, calling on investigators to handle the matter with professionalism, diligence and fairness.
In a statement, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the shooting.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that preliminary findings indicated that two armed men riding on a motorcycle carried out the attack before fleeing the area.
According to the police, officers responded swiftly to a distress call, evacuated the victim for urgent medical attention and deployed tactical teams to track down the suspects.
The command further revealed that exhibits recovered from the scene are currently undergoing forensic examination to aid ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the attack and directed a high-level investigation into the incident. He also ordered all relevant units of the command to intensify efforts toward identifying, arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.
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