Segun Atanda/
Osun State was yesterday engulfed in violent clashes between supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven individuals, including a former council chairman.
The unrest began when sacked local government chairmen and councillors, affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), attempted to forcibly reclaim their offices.
This action defied court rulings that had previously removed them from their positions.
The situation intensified as supporters from both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC engaged in violent confrontations across various local government areas.
In Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area, former council chairman, Remi Abbas, was fatally attacked by hoodlums.
Additionally, two PDP members were killed in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area; two others lost their lives in Ola Oluwa Local Government Area; and another individual was killed in Ikire.
Several others sustained injuries during these clashes.
In response to the escalating violence, Governor Adeleke ordered the immediate lockdown of all local government secretariats to prevent further bloodshed and protect public property.
He directed security agencies to take full control of the secretariats and urged residents to avoid these areas.
The governor also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called for calm among the populace.
The crisis has led to a war of words between the PDP and the APC.
The PDP accused the APC of instigating the violence through illegal attempts to seize control of local councils, while the APC alleged that the PDP government was responsible for the killings, including that of Remi Abbas.
Both parties have called for interventions to restore peace and order in the state.
Police authorities have condemned the violence and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the deployment of additional tactical squads to Osun State to restore law and order.
He warned that the police would not tolerate any acts of lawlessness and assured residents of their safety.
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