Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Shoot Osun Accord Party Chairman

The Osun State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the shooting of the chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola, who was attacked by suspected gunmen on Wednesday night in Osogbo.

Ajibola is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, following the attack, which police described as an attempted assassination.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the incident occurred around 9:50 p.m. in the MDS area of Osogbo when two armed men riding on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on the politician.

According to the police, officers swiftly responded after receiving a distress call, evacuated the victim to a medical facility, and immediately launched a manhunt for the assailants.

“A team of police officers swiftly evacuated the victim to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment. Medical personnel have confirmed that Hon. Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment,” Ojelabi said.

He added that operational teams were deployed to track down the attackers, while investigators recovered exhibits from the scene for forensic examination.

“Simultaneously, other operational teams launched an aggressive pursuit of the fleeing suspects in an effort to apprehend them and bring them to justice. Preliminary investigation at the scene led to the recovery of exhibits which are currently being subjected to forensic analysis,” the statement read.

The spokesperson further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and directed all relevant units to deploy maximum resources toward identifying and arresting those behind the attack.

“He has directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution,” Ojelabi stated.

The command assured residents that it was committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.

“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation. Citizens are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and provide credible information that may assist the police in tracking down the perpetrators,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has condemned the attack and called for a thorough and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government confirmed that Ajibola was receiving treatment at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital.

Alimi said preliminary accounts from one of the occupants of the vehicle conveying the politician indicated that gunmen opened fire on the vehicle around 9:50 p.m. while they were returning from the MDS area of Osogbo.
According to him, the occupants escaped to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters for safety before the attackers fled the scene.

Describing the incident as disturbing, the commissioner urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

“It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated. The culprits must be brought to book,” Alimi said.

He further called on the police to conduct their investigation without bias, noting that available indications suggested the attack could have political undertones.

“We are therefore calling on the police to carry out their investigation professionally, without fear or favour, in unearthing the masterminds of the attack, which from all available indices has elements of political coloration,” he added.