A shooting during a political rally in Ilesa, Osun State, has left several people injured, deepening fears of election-related violence in the state just days before its governorship election. The incident unfolded during a ward rally, and residents scrambled for safety as gunfire broke out.
Among those hit was a teenager who was inside his mother's shop at the time. According to the account given, the young victim, identified as Tobi Ilesanmi, was evacuated to the Wesley Guild Hospital for treatment after the shooting.
Police have confirmed the arrest of the Osun State Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Anjorin, in connection with the incident. According to the accounts, the commissioner was taken into custody and remained in detention.
Addressing journalists, the director of media and publicity of the All Progressives Congress campaign council, Oluremi Mowai, alleged that a chief whip of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Akinrele, accompanied by members of the Amotekun corps, opened fire on people during the rally.
Mowai said several people, four according to the party, were hit by gunfire, and stressed that video evidence of the incident would be made available. He described how those present ran for cover as the shooting continued.
The Accord Party also addressed journalists over the Ilesa violence. Its spokesperson accused the Nigeria Police Force of unlawfully arresting party members, alleging that more than 60 of them had been detained despite committing no crime, and named the arrested environment commissioner among those held.
The party called on the Inspector General of Police to release those arrested and to ensure a free and credible poll. The clashes and arrests come only days before the governorship election in Osun State, with observers and parties voicing growing concern over the risk of further violence.