There was a resurgence of political violence in Osun on Saturday when gunmen fired live bullets at party members during a rally in Ilesa ahead of the August gubernatorial election in the state with three persons seriously injured.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Anjorin, and one other person identified as Odeyemi Abimbola, who were linked to the unfortunate incident, have been arrested.

Tension had nosedived following a deployment of Election Commissioner of Police, Erale Samuel Etaifo, who immediately went to work by convening conferences and meeting with all stakeholders toward ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Etaifo had also on different occasions handed down strong warnings to police personnel and other security agents in Osun to steer clear of acts that could either compromise the election or jeopardise the general peace of the state.

This ugly resurfacing of election-related violence in Osun is giving residents and political observers a serious cause for concern.


The Osun State Police Command, which confirmed the incident in a press statement on Saturday, said it has commenced investigation.

According to police, the incident occurred when some suspected armed men alighted from a vehicle with registration number OSHA 04 and allegedly fired sporadically in the vicinity of the ongoing political procession. Some of the individuals involved were reportedly dressed as personnel of the Osun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun.

It added that three persons, namely Tobi Ilesanmi ‘M’; Wasiu Alanide ‘M’, and Aderemi Adedeji ‘M’, sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.

“They have been evacuated to a hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention and responding to treatment.

“Following the incident, some courageous members of the public reportedly pursued the fleeing suspects and caught up with some of them. It was further alleged that one of the suspected Amotekun personnel produced a knife and attempted to use it against those who apprehended them, thereby creating an opportunity for him to escape.

“Upon receipt of the information, operatives of the FID-IRT swiftly mobilised to the area. During the operation, a Lexus vehicle with registration number ABJ-89TS was sighted. An individual identified as an Amotekun personnel and found in possession of a pump-action firearm was reportedly inside the vehicle.

“The vehicle and its occupants were subsequently taken into custody and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for questioning and further investigation.

“Preliminary investigation has identified one of the occupants as Hon. Mayowa Anjorin, Commissioner for Environment, Osun State, while the Amotekun personnel was identified as Odeyemi Abimbiola.

“The Command is also aware of allegations and claims linking certain individuals, including Hon. Wale Akerele, to the incident. However, the Police wish to emphasise that these are presently allegations under investigation, and no individual should be presumed guilty until the investigation establishes otherwise,” police added.

Items recovered at the scene included four expanded cartridges and one Amotekun cap.

“The Police have commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify all persons involved, determine the source and ownership of the firearms allegedly used, and ascertain the respective levels of involvement of all persons connected to the incident.

“The Command assures members of the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally, transparently and without political bias, and that anyone found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.Politics

“The Command further urges political actors, their supporters and members of the public to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and avoid spreading unverified information capable of escalating tension.

“The Osun State Police Command remains committed to providing a peaceful and secure environment before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election,” the release said.