…..Police go tough over violence
Six persons were seriously injured when suspected political thugs attacked some members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Idanre local government area of Ondo State in the early hours of Wednesday.
Some of the victims, including Otunba Olowoniyi Akinleminu, sources in the town said have been taken to the intensive care unit of the State Specialist Hospital in Akure, the state capital, for medical attention.
The Director of Media and Publicity of PDP, Mr Adeyemi Raymond Fasoranti, and Hon Bosede Agbaje Salami expressed concern that suspected All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs unleashed terror on the people because of the success of the rally of the opposition party on Tuesday.
Fasoranti alleged that a suspected thug popularly called Osha and others with firearms boasted of killing as many as they could before and during elections. He alleged that as the party in power, nobody would arrest them for any crime they committed.
Similarly, Salami said the lives of PDP members are being threatened by suspected political thugs and cultists invited by political gladiators in the town.
Her words “We wish to use this opportunity to remind the sponsors of these violent acts that elections should not be treated as a war. If you are confident in your party’s ability to win Idanre, there is no need to resort to thuggery or violence against the electorate.”
PRESS RELEASE
IDANRE RIVALRY INCIDENT: CP ORDERS FULL-SCALE SCID INVESTIGATION, VOWS TO SANCTION PERPETRATORS
The Ondo State Police Command has intensified efforts in addressing the Idanre rivalry incident, which has surfaced amidst preparations for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election. In light of recent developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.
It is important to note that CP Oladipo had previously convened a peace meeting on November 12, 2024, bringing together leaders of the two major political parties in the area. During the meeting, he urged them to maintain peace and take all necessary precautions to prevent their supporters from inciting violence. Despite these efforts, however, disturbances erupted overnight, resulting in shootings and a breakdown of public order.
The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.
The CP has made it clear that the Command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.
He calls on parents, community leaders, and influential figures to warn their followers, children, and loved ones to avoid any form of disruptive behavior during this period. The CP also encourages the people of Ondo State to utilize the Command’s control line; 07034313903 or report any suspicious activities on our social media handles:
X – @OndoPoliceNg
Facebook – ondo police command
Instagram- Ondopolicecommand.
E-signed
SP. Funmilayo Odunlami, mnipr,
Police Public Relations Officer,
For:- Commissioner of Police,
Ondo State Command ,
Akure.
