By Gloria Drealomalicha
The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, is receiving treatment in hospital after surviving a gun attack by suspected assassins in Osogbo, the state capital.
Ajibola was reportedly shot late on Wednesday night when armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on him in what police have described as a suspected assassination attempt.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command said it had launched a full-scale investigation and intensified efforts to track down the attackers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the attack occurred at about 11:50 p.m. in the MDS area of Osogbo.
According to the police, two gunmen on a motorcycle approached the politician and shot at him before fleeing the scene.
“Upon receiving the distress report, the police immediately mobilised tactical and conventional teams to the scene,” Ojelabi said.
He explained that officers swiftly evacuated the victim to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Medical personnel attending to Ajibola have confirmed that he is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment, offering some relief to his family, supporters and political associates.
The police spokesperson disclosed that investigators recovered exhibits from the crime scene, which are now undergoing forensic examination as part of efforts to identify those behind the attack.
Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, strongly condemned the shooting and ordered a high-powered investigation into the incident.
According to Ojelabi, the commissioner directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
The command also assured residents that no effort would be spared in the investigation and appealed to members of the public to remain calm while providing useful information that could assist security agencies.
The attack has heightened concerns over a recent rise in violent crimes across parts of South-West Nigeria.
The incident comes just days after gunmen abducted Olaide John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Earlier this week, the Oyo State Police Command also confirmed an attack on a Nigeria Immigration Service passport office in Ogbomoso, where assailants reportedly carted away a rifle, ammunition and other valuables.
The latest attack on a prominent political figure is likely to renew calls for stronger security measures as residents and political stakeholders continue to express concern over growing insecurity in the region.
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