Fresh violence erupted on Wednesday in Idanre, Ondo State, during the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving at least two persons dead and several others injured.
The incident occurred at Odode-Idanre, the headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, as the ruling party conducted congresses across its 203 wards in the state.
The latest crisis followed Tuesday’s disruption of a stakeholders’ meeting at the APC secretariat in Akure, where hoodlums reportedly assaulted party leaders.
Sources said one of those attacked during Wednesday’s violence was Raphael Adetimehin, younger brother of the party’s State Caretaker Chairman, Ade Adetimehin. His vehicle was reportedly set ablaze during the clash.
Raphael was said to have sustained machete wounds and was rushed to the General Hospital, Idanre, for treatment.
Confirming the attack, Ade Adetimehin alleged that the assailants mistook his brother for him due to their close resemblance.
“They targeted my brother because they thought he was me. They shot at him and later attacked him with a cutlass. He is currently receiving medical attention,” he said.
The APC chairman described the attack as politically motivated and called on the party’s national leadership and the President to intervene to prevent further escalation.
A family source, however, claimed that Raphael may not have survived the attack, alleging that two other individuals were also killed during the violence. The identities of the additional victims were yet to be confirmed.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state confirmed the incident, stating that five persons were attacked and a vehicle set ablaze.
“Three victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention, while two others were confirmed dead at the hospital,” the police spokesperson said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, alongside the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oluyemi Ibiloye, led a joint team of security operatives to the scene, restoring order in the area.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and to apprehend those responsible,” he said.
It was also gathered that the ward congress witnessed disruptions in parts of Akure North Local Government Area, particularly in Iju, where clashes reportedly affected the process.
Fidelis David in Akure
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