Tension erupted in Ikire, Osun State, following an alleged attack on supporters of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji; police intervention reportedly led to a gunfire exchange, while efforts by the Akire monarch to recover a snatched police rifle failed.

IKIRE, Osun State — Tension gripped Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State on Monday following a violent confrontation involving suspected political thugs, supporters of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and the police.

The incident, which reportedly began around the Obada area of the town, later spread to other parts of Ikire, including Naira & Kobo Garage and the local government secretariat, leaving at least two people dead from stray bullets and heightening fears of further violence.

The account of the incident was contained in a statement which stressed that it was not intended to hold brief for any individual but to present facts surrounding the development.

According to the information,  trouble started in the morning when suspected thugs allegedly attacked supporters of Oyebamiji who were engaged in palm-oil trading at Obada.

The secretary of the affected traders’ union was reportedly attacked with a machete after sporadic gunshots were heard in the area.

Police intervention turns violent

Following the development, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of the Ikire Police Division was said to have proceeded to the area with his men to assess the situation and restore order.

The police team reportedly encountered the suspected perpetrators at Naira & Kobo Garage, where an attempt was allegedly made to engage them and de-escalate the situation.

However, it was alleged that the group rebuffed the police officers and accused them of working for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The situation reportedly escalated when one of the police officers was allegedly dispossessed of his rifle.

Gunshots subsequently rang out, forcing the policemen to retreat to safety, according to the account.

It was further alleged that the tyres of the police vehicle were damaged during the confrontation.

The ensuing gunfire reportedly resulted in the deaths of two persons, who were said to have been hit by stray bullets at Naira & Kobo Garage.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the identities of the victims and the source of the bullets that killed them, would require an independent investigation to establish conclusively.

Alleged attempt to invade LG secretariat

The situation reportedly took another turn when the suspected thugs allegedly attempted to take over the Irewole Local Government Secretariat.

The group was, however, said to have been repelled by policemen stationed at the secretariat.

The development further heightened tension in the town as residents reportedly became concerned about the possibility of the confrontation spreading to other parts of the community.

Monarch intervenes

In a bid to calm the situation, the matter was later taken before the palace of the Akire of Ikire, His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Akintula).

The DPO and members of the alleged Accord Party group were reportedly present at the palace during the intervention.

According to the account, the traditional ruler appealed to the group to return the police rifle allegedly taken during the confrontation.

Oba Olanrewaju was also said to have warned the group about the possible consequences of holding on to a police firearm, drawing attention to previous incidents involving security personnel, including the Nigerian Army. The appeal, however, was reportedly rejected.

Calls for impartial investigation

The development has triggered calls for the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violence.

Beyond the political differences and allegations flying around, residents and stakeholders have been urged to prioritise peace and the safety of the Ikire community.

Ikire, like other communities in Nigeria, has witnessed political disagreements in the past, but community leaders and residents have repeatedly stressed the need to prevent political competition from degenerating into violence.

The latest incident has therefore renewed concerns about the activities of political thugs and the need for security agencies to take decisive steps to prevent further escalation.

As the town awaits further clarification from the police and other relevant authorities, community leaders have been urged to work collectively towards restoring calm and ensuring that those responsible for any criminal acts are brought to justice, irrespective of their political affiliation.