There was bloodbath, on Wednesday, at the ongoing ward congress of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, resulting in the killing of two people and injuries to several others in Idanre Local Government Area.
It was gathered that one of those attacked in the violence in Idanre was a brother to the Ondo State Chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin.
Recall that 24 hours earlier, political thugs attacked the APC Secretariat in Akure, disrupting a stakeholders meeting presided over by the state chairman, Ade Adetimehin, who himself was severely beaten up alongside other party chieftains by the suspected thugs.
On Wednesday, reports indicated that the congress could not hold in some wards in Idanre after suspected hoodlums attacked party members and burnt some vehicles during the crisis.
But as of the time of filing this report, the cause of the crisis had yet to be known.
One of those brutally attacked is the brother to the APC state chairman identified as Raphael Adetimehin. He was attacked by the suspected political thugs at his ward in Idanre.
Ondo APC Chairman, Adetimehin, who confirmed the incident, said his brother was
shot and hacked by the hoodlums with a machete while the attackers also allegedly burnt his car.
The Ondo APC chairman said, “My brother was attacked; those who attacked him thought I was the one because we resemble each other very well.
“After shooting and stabbing him, they left him when they thought he was dead. I don’t know why we are taking politics to this extent.”
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed in a statement that two people were killed and three others injured in Idanre.
Police said the attack occurred around 11 am, adding that a vehicle was set ablaze.
The statement added, “Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, alongside the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, CC Oluyemi Ibiloye, personally led a combined team of security operatives to the scene.
“Their timely intervention ensured the restoration of peace and order in the affected area.
“Three victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention, while two others were confirmed dead at the hospital.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.”
The police urged residents to remain calm, assuring that additional tactical teams had been deployed to secure the area and prevent further violence.
To forestall any further breakdown of law and order, the CP ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to secure the area and its environs, to protect lives and property.
APC elders condemn attacks
Ondo State APC elders under the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum condemned Tuesday’s attack on the party secretariat in Akure. During the assault, 15 elders were reportedly injured and are receiving treatment in the hospital.
The elders described the incident as a violation of democratic principles, party discipline, and the rule of law.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Pa Erastus Akeju, the forum said, “The violent assault and public humiliation of the Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, alongside respected party leaders and stakeholders, by hoodlums masquerading as political actors, which is utterly reprehensible.
“Such lawlessness is unacceptable in any democratic society, more so within a party that prides itself on progressive values, internal democracy, and respect for constituted authority.”
Akeju called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, stating, “The President’s lifelong commitment to democracy, justice, and institutional order must now find expression in restoring sanity, ensuring accountability, and reaffirming that violence will never be rewarded in our party.”
He further urged the National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and the National Working Committee to act swiftly, emphasising the need for thorough investigation, appropriate sanctions, and clear directives to reinforce discipline and security across party structures nationwide.
“Let me state clearly and without equivocation that intimidation, thuggery, and physical violence have no place in politics.
“The APC was not built by brigandage; it was built by ideas, dialogue, and the collective will of Nigerians who believe in democratic governance.
“When leaders are beaten, and elders are disgraced within the precincts of a party secretariat, the very foundation of political order is threatened.
“On behalf of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Ondo State, I condemn this incident in the strongest terms.
“It is an assault not only on individuals, but on the integrity of the All Progressives Congress itself. Silence or indifference in the face of such brutality would embolden impunity and invite further chaos.”
