Ilesa Tension: Two APC Members Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Osun Election Attack

Tension is rising in Ilesa, Osun State, after suspected political thugs attacked an APC gathering ahead of the state governorship election, leaving two party members dead and several others injured.

The latest attack occurred on Tuesday morning in the Igbogi area of Ilesa, where APC supporters had gathered for a final campaign rally. Witnesses said the attackers arrived at about 7:30 am and opened fire, sending supporters and residents running for safety.

A resident, Sola, said the shooting happened shortly before the planned rally. He said four people were hit during the attack after party leaders had directed supporters to assemble at the venue by 8 am.

The APC campaign council confirmed that four of its members were shot, with two later dying from their injuries. Its media head, Oluremi Omowaiye, said the APC Woman Leader in Ilesa was among those wounded and was receiving treatment at Wesley Guild Hospital.

The incident came amid reports of a wider wave of violence in Ilesa. Claims circulating after the attacks put the number of APC members killed in separate incidents within 24 hours at 12, with five reportedly killed during a weekend rally and another seven said to have died during Tuesday’s gathering.

The reported violence had already triggered protests by APC supporters in Ilesa, who accused political opponents of intimidation ahead of the election. Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East, joined other APC leaders at the protest and condemned attacks on party members.

Fadahunsi later faced controversy over remarks captured in a video circulating online, in which he was heard saying, “We must not see any Accord Party member in Ijesa land. When you see them, kill them.” Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently called for his arrest over the alleged statement.

Fadahunsi’s media office denied that he was calling for physical attacks, saying his reference to “kill Accord” meant defeating the Accord Party through votes. The senator also appealed for peace and urged security agencies to protect voters and ensure they could participate in the election without intimidation.

The Osun State Police Command said it was investigating the Ilesa attack. Police spokesman DSP Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the incident and said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.