Key Takeaways
- Dele Ayegbo, nephew of APC campaign Director-General Wole Oke, was gunned down near his residence in Esa-Oke
- The attack occurred on Wednesday night, with suspected hoodlums operating from a vehicle
- The Osun State APC chapter has condemned the killing, blaming the Accord Party for the incident
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the killing of Dele Ayegbo, nephew of the party’s campaign Director-General, Wole Oke, in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Council Area of the state. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, with Ayegbo being gunned down at the road junction close to his house by suspected hoodlums operating from a vehicle.
According to the party, the attack was carried out by the Accord Party hoodlums who have been terrorising APC members and supporters across the state. The APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, stated that two party members were targeted in the shooting, with Ayegbo dying instantly at the scene and the second victim sustaining gunshot wounds and being rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Background and Context
The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks on APC members in Osun State, with the party claiming that over 30 members have been killed by political thugs since 2022. The Ijesaland area has been particularly affected, with 17 fatalities reported. The APC has accused the state government of failing to condemn the killings, which they claim gives credence to the idea that the government is approving of the violence.
The Osun State Police Command has been urged to intervene swiftly to prevent further violence and intimidation ahead of the governorship election on August 15. The APC has claimed that the attack was designed to scare away their members and supporters from exercising their civic responsibility on election day.
Why This Matters
The killing of Dele Ayegbo is a disturbing development in the lead-up to the Osun State governorship election, highlighting the need for law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to prevent further violence and ensure a safe and fair electoral process. The incident has sparked fears of election violence and intimidation, and it is crucial that the authorities take swift and decisive action to address these concerns and protect the rights of all citizens to participate in the democratic process.