Two Feared Killed as violence breaks out during APC Congress 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.

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, while giving an update on the incident, revealed that 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.

The command in a statement, signed by the spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that “it received a distress call from DPO Idanre regarding violent acts perpetrated by a group of individuals within the State on 18th February, 2026 at about 1105hrs. The report necessitated a prompt operational response from officers of the Command.

“In swift reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, immediately deployed tactical teams to reinforce the existing security apparatus on ground.

“Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, alongside the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CC Oluyemi Ibiloye, personally led a combined team of security operatives to the scene.

“Their timely intervention ensured the restoration of peace and order in the affected area.

“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.

“The Commissioner of Police visited the injured victims to assess their condition and assured them of the Command’s support.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.

“To forestall any further breakdown of law and order, the CP has ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to secure the area and its environs in order to protect lives and property.

“The Command urges the good people of Ondo State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear or panic, as adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure sustained peace and stability across the State.’

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