THE Publisher of EagleNewsOnline, Yakubu Lukman, has reported the alleged attack on the Personal Assistant to the Oriade Local Government Chairman, Hon. Olubunmi Ezekiel Obeisun, Mr. Kayode Damilola, at his friend’s residence on Iloro Street, Ijebu-Ijesa, at about 7:17 p.m. on Saturday.
According to a video interview with Damilola following the incident, he narrated that he was at the residence of his friend, Mr. Abiodun Oluwasanmi, where they were playing Opón Àyò when a group of men allegedly arrived in a branded campaign vehicle belonging to Accord House of Representatives candidate, Barrister Pelumi Jacob Olajengbesi.
Damilola alleged that Femi Ajifolokun, popularly known as AJIFO, whom he identified as an associate of the Accord candidate, led a group of about 10 men to the location. He said AJIFO greeted him and he reciprocated the greeting, after which AJIFO allegedly asked him to start singing a song he had been using to campaign for the APC during the election period.
He further alleged that shortly afterwards, AJIFO, Tosin Oyebode, Tosin Omo Efon, Fado, Akin Arowobusoye and seven other members of the group allegedly attacked him and his friend. According to his account, his friend managed to escape from the scene, while the attackers allegedly turned their attention to him and began assaulting him with dangerous weapons, including a cutlass and an axe.
Damilola also alleged that one of the attackers used a knife on his neck, causing him to sustain injuries and bleed heavily. He said the attackers initially believed he had died after seeing the blood, but that he managed to struggle away from the scene when he found an opportunity to escape.
According to him, the attackers allegedly pursued him as he attempted to flee until an unidentified individual intervened and rescued him. He said Hon. Olubunmi Ezekiel Obeisun later arrived at the scene, picked him up and took him to the hospital, where he received medical attention for the injuries he sustained during the alleged attack.
Reacting to the incident, APC leaders in the area strongly condemned what they described as a barbaric and unacceptable attack on a member of their party. They expressed concern that political violence and attacks should not be allowed to continue after the conclusion of the election, stressing that political differences must never become a justification for violence.
The APC leaders also recalled that the Divisional Police Officer of Ijebu-Ijesa, SP Alonge Jumoke, had earlier convened a peace meeting involving political party leaders, religious leaders and other local security stakeholders to promote peace and prevent political-related violence in the community. They therefore urged all political actors and their supporters to respect the peace initiative.
The leaders called on the Osun State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the alleged attack. They specifically urged the police to identify and apprehend all individuals found to have participated in the incident and ensure that anyone established to be culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliation.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been received from Hon. Olubunmi Ezekiel Obeisun media aide concerning the incident. The allegations contained in the victim’s account remain subject to investigation, and the individuals accused of involvement have not been given an opportunity to publicly respond to the allegations.
(EagleNewsOnline)