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Gunshots fired by unidentified individuals early on election day caused panic in Ofosun Village, an Ondo community near the Edo State border, forcing residents to remain indoors for safety.
A local resident, identified as Dauda, described the incident to a PUNCH correspondent over the phone. “We don’t know who they are, but they were firing gunshots into the air in some parts of the village since early morning. Ofosun is an Ondo village close to Benin in Edo State. No casualty, but people in the village are staying indoors.”
The motive behind the gunshots remains unclear, but Festus Akingbaso, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleged that hoodlums had infiltrated villages under the Idanre Local Government Area.
Speaking after casting his vote at Imikan Ward 02, Unit 008, Akingbaso said, “Information reaching me is that majority of the villages are filled with thugs allegedly brought in by the APC. Villages like Ofosun, Omifunfun, and Allah are occupied. In Igbepo, suspected thugs are reportedly there in large numbers. In Ofosun, we received reports of thugs breaking into the house of a party member to prevent him from voting. There are plans to disenfranchise voters in these areas.”
He further stated that the matter had been reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the Department of State Services (DSS) but expressed disappointment over the lack of swift action.
In response, Ondo APC spokesperson, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the allegations and accused the PDP of attempting to create unnecessary tension. “The person making these allegations is the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP. Was he physically present in all these locations he mentioned? Voting has been orderly in these areas,” he said.
Otaloro added, “If there is any violence, it should be investigated thoroughly. As a political party, we are committed to peace, and we have advised our members to maintain peace throughout the election.”
When contacted, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, said she was in transit and had not received any official report of the incident. (Saturday Tribune: Text, Excluding Headline)
