2 feared Killed in Ondo

At least two persons were reportedly killed on Wednesday during the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Idanre, Ondo State, as violence erupted in parts of the local government area.

The Ondo State government has dismissed allegations that thugs were deployed to disrupt a recent political gathering in the state, describing the claims as malicious, unfounded and a calculated attempt to smear the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the government claimed that the allegation was false and misleading, maintaining that the state currently enjoys a peaceful political atmosphere.

According to the statement, Governor Aiyedatiwa was neither aware of nor connected to the meeting in question and could not have sanctioned any act of thuggery.

Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crisis, which also resulted in the burning of a vehicle.

The disturbance disrupted the conduct of the congress in some wards, as hoodlums allegedly attacked party members gathered for the exercise.

The incident occurred barely 24 hours after suspected political thugs stormed a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s secretariat in Akure. The meeting was presided over by the state chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, and was abruptly halted following the disruption.

One of the victims of the Idanre violence was identified as Raphael Adetimehin, reportedly a brother of the state APC chairman.

He was said to have been attacked in his ward during the congress.

Confirming the development, Ade Adetimehin disclosed that his brother was shot and macheted by suspected thugs who allegedly mistook him for the party chairman due to their striking resemblance.

“My brother was attacked; those who attacked him thought I was the one because we resemble each other very well. After shooting and macheting him, they left him when they thought he was dead. I don’t know why we are playing our politics to this extent,” he said.

Sources indicated that Raphael Adetimehin is currently in a coma as a result of the attack.

The State Police Command in a statement signed by its spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that n swift reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, immediately deployed tactical teams to reinforce the existing security apparatus on ground.

“During the incident, five persons yet to be identified were reportedly attacked, and a vehicle was set ablaze.

“Three victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention, while two others were confirmed dead at the hospital.

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