By Emmanuel Ojo
The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the reported sporadic shooting involving security personnel attached to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, in Ososa, the hometown of the APC deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun.
The party called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, to urgently order a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night by its State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olufemi Nuberu, the APC said it received the report with alarm and concern, questioning why security operatives attached to a governorship candidate would allegedly discharge firearms in a populated area.
According to the party, Adebutu and his campaign team were returning from Ijebu-Ode when they passed through Ososa, where members of the security team allegedly opened fire and shot sporadically into the air, causing residents and other people in the area to scamper for safety.
The APC said the reported incident was particularly disturbing because security personnel are expected to protect lives, maintain public order and prevent violence.
Nuberu said the incident must be properly addressed to prevent any recurrence, urging political parties, candidates, campaign organisations and their supporters to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
He said: “We find it deeply disturbing that security details attached to a candidate seeking to become the governor of Ogun State would reportedly cause apprehension among the populace through the reckless discharge of ammunition.
“The incident, which reportedly took place in Ososa, the hometown of our deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, is troubling and must not be allowed to escalate.
“It is provocative and capable of creating unnecessary fear and tension among law-abiding citizens. We expect the police investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found to have acted unlawfully is held accountable.
“We call on Hon. Ladi Adebutu and his campaign team to exercise restraint and ensure that their activities do not create fear, intimidation or disorder in any part of Ogun State.
“We appeal to residents to remain calm, reject retaliation and allow the security agencies to do their work. Political differences must never endanger innocent lives.”
