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The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, is battling for his life after he was shot by suspected gunmen in a late-night attack in Osogbo.
The incident occurred around 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday along the Osogbo Community Bank axis of the MDS area in the state capital, sending residents into panic as gunshots rang out across the neighbourhood.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants targeted a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and several of his associates, firing multiple rounds at the vehicle in what was described as a coordinated and daring attack.
Although the Accord Party chieftain narrowly escaped death, he sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he remains in critical condition.
One of the occupants of the bullet-riddled vehicle recounted the ordeal, saying the attackers suddenly emerged and began pursuing them before opening fire.
“We were returning from the MDS area at about 9:50 p.m. when armed men started chasing us and unleashed a barrage of bullets on our vehicle. We managed to escape and drove to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters for safety. After reporting the incident, we rushed Hon. Ajibola to the hospital for urgent medical attention,” the survivor said.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, calling for a thorough investigation.
Describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, Alimi urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
“It is an unfortunate incident that must not be swept under the carpet. The perpetrators must be brought to justice,” he said.
The commissioner further urged the police to conduct a professional and impartial investigation, noting that preliminary indications suggest the attack may have political undertones.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while investigations into the attack are ongoing.
