Osun Election: Armed Men Kill Accord Party Member in Fresh Violence

A member of the Accord Party has reportedly been killed by suspected political thugs in Osun State a day to Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Friday in the Omi Eran Atijo community, according to sources.

It was disclosed that the victim was chased by the suspected assailants before he was eventually caught and killed.

A video circulating in connection with the incident showed the body of the deceased lying in a drainage surrounded by a pool of blood.

The identity of the victim had yet to be officially disclosed as of the time of filing this report.

This latest killing has raised concerns over the security situation in the state, with residents accusing security personnel deployed to the area of failing to prevent attacks despite mounting concerns about possible political violence.

A source familiar with the situation said the apparent inactivity of security operatives had heightened fear among residents and supporters of opposition parties in the community.

According to the source, there had been concerns over the activities of suspected political thugs allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but adequate measures were reportedly not taken to prevent the latest attack.

A relative of the deceased, who spoke about the incident, described the killing as devastating, saying the victim was a family man with a wife and children.

“I’m not okay as I am speaking to you. The man they killed was very close to me. They killed him, and he had a wife and children,” the relative said.

The relative said the circumstances surrounding the killing had left the victim’s family and associates devastated.

The latest incident comes amid heightened political tension in Osun as voters prepare to elect a governor on Saturday.

It also comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over alleged inflammatory statements by political actors and the possibility of violence during the election.

Relatedly, former Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, on Thursday, called for the arrest and prosecution of politicians and other individuals who make statements capable of inciting violence.

Irabor made the call during an appearance on Channels Television while commenting on the political tension in Osun State.

His comments followed a viral video involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, in which the lawmaker was reportedly heard calling on his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party.

Irabor said statements of that nature should not be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric, arguing that they could contribute to violence.

“For me as a person, any time we hear individuals making inciting comments, I think that such people should be picked up immediately,” he said.

He said the police had taken the right step by inviting Fadahunsi for questioning, adding that the senator should be subjected to further investigation over the alleged comments.

Irabor also called for action against Islamic clerics Sani Jingir and Ahmad Gumi over what he described as other potentially inciting statements.

He stressed that nobody should be considered above the law, particularly when public statements Ccould threaten peace and security.