The Accord Party in Osun State has alleged that its members and supporters came under coordinated attacks by suspected political thugs in parts of the state during the governorship election, claiming that no fewer than 15 of its members had been killed.

The party also alleged that several of its members sustained gunshot injuries, while homes belonging to its supporters were reportedly invaded, vandalised and looted in different locations.

In a statement signed by its state chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, and issued in Osogbo on Saturday, Accord accused suspected All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters of carrying out what it described as “fatal attacks” across several local government areas.

According to the party, the alleged attacks were recorded in Obokun, Odo Otin, Boripe, Irewole and other parts of the state, with several Accord supporters reportedly receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incidents.

One of the major incidents occurred in Iree, where the party alleged that sporadic gunshots were fired throughout the night and several Accord members were injured.

The palace of the Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, was also reportedly attacked in the early hours of Friday, with the monarch confirming that gunshots were fired at the palace gate.

Narrating the incident, Oba Oyelakin said the attack occurred at about 2 a.m. when two Sienna vehicles allegedly arrived at the palace.

He said the occupants initially fired shots into the air before shooting towards the palace gate, adding that the attack occurred while a prayer session was being held on the premises.

The monarch said he repeatedly switched the palace lights off and on to create the impression that people were present and thereby discourage the attackers from gaining access to the premises.

A gunshot mark was reportedly seen on the palace gate after the incident.

Oba Oyelakin expressed concern over the attack and appealed to security agencies to investigate the incident and apprehend those responsible.

“I want to call on all security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice,” the monarch said.

Accord Party also alleged that several attacks were recorded in Okuku and other communities in Odo Otin Local Government Area, claiming that more than 20 of its members were receiving treatment for various gunshot injuries.

In Ikire, the party alleged that the homes of about 25 Accord members were raided and vandalised, while some family members were allegedly subjected to harassment.

The party said the residence of its Director-General of Campaign, Senator Lere Oyewumi, was also allegedly attacked.

At Ifewara, Accord alleged that an APC House of Assembly candidate, who was reportedly arrested and later released, coordinated attacks on some of its members and their residences.

The party further claimed that several persons were injured in the alleged incident.

It also alleged that military personnel involved in the arrest of the candidate and some suspected members of his group had subsequently been suspended by naval authorities.

However, the claims regarding the alleged suspension of the military personnel could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The party further alleged that in Osogbo, some political appointees and other individuals had been identified for possible arrest, claiming that a manhunt had been launched for one of the individuals.

It also alleged that APC chieftain, Chief Tunde Badmus, had directed that a particular political appointee be arrested if he appeared at a polling unit.

The allegations by Accord came against the backdrop of widespread concerns over election-related violence in the state, with political parties and other stakeholders repeatedly calling on security agencies to protect voters and prevent attacks.

Meanwhile, the Osun State government has expressed condolences to families of persons who lost their lives in violence associated with the election period.

Governor Ademola Adeleke said every life lost represented an Osun life, stressing that political differences should never result in the loss of lives.

“Every life lost is an Osun life. Politics should never cost anyone his or her life, irrespective of political affiliation,” the governor said.

Adeleke announced that the state government would constitute an independent Commission of Inquiry immediately after the election to investigate reported killings and other acts of violence connected with the electoral period.

He said the commission would determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents and recommend appropriate action against anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation, status or influence.

“The Commission will establish the circumstances surrounding these incidents and recommend appropriate actions to ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation, position or influence,” he said.

The governor also promised that the government would establish a framework to support and compensate families of those who lost their lives, adding that the victims would be appropriately honoured.

“The election will come and go, but we will remain one people. We owe the dead justice, their families compassion, and the people of Osun a peaceful future,” Adeleke said. (Nigerian Tribune)

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