Idanre, Nigeria — Violence erupted during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Ondo State on Wednesday, resulting in at least two fatalities and multiple injuries. The congress, aimed at electing ward executives across 203 local areas, was disrupted in the Idanre Local Government Area by alleged political thugs associated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
Witnesses reported that the armed assailants, arriving in six vehicles, stormed the venue near the party’s secretariat, creating chaos as they dispersed party members and officials overseeing the voting. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the unrest was fueled by disputes between rival factions concerning delegate lists and ward positions, escalating into physical confrontations before gunfire broke out.
The violence was particularly intense around Iju/Ita Ogbolu in the Akure North Local Government Area, where confrontations stalled the congress for several hours. It was during this turmoil that Raphael Adetimehin, the younger brother of the APC’s state chairman, sustained severe injuries and is now reportedly in a coma following an assault that involved machetes and gunfire.
Engr. Ade Adetimehin expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting that the thugs initially targeted him but turned their aggression toward his brother. He described the situation as tragic, emphasizing the threats posed by the assailants during the congress. “Is a sad development, and you can see how thugs working under instructions disrupted everyone,” he stated.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed reports of violence, stating that five individuals had been attacked, with injuries varying in severity. He noted that two victims have died, and their bodies have been taken to a local morgue. The police also reported a vehicle was set ablaze during the unrest.
Following the violence, Commissioner of Police Lawal Adebowale and Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye led a tactical team to restore order. Their efforts included assessing the condition of the injured and providing assurances of ongoing support from law enforcement.
In the aftermath, party leaders voiced their condemnation of the violence, calling it a serious threat to the integrity of the democratic process within the party. Members of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a thorough investigation into the incidents, stressing the need for accountability in the face of such upheaval.
As authorities continue to search for those responsible, the congress’s integrity has been called into question, with many fearing that such acts of violence could deter participation in future political processes within the party. The situation remains tense as the community grapples with the implications of this violent disruption.