Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has directed security agencies to track down and prosecute those responsible for the violence that disrupted the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state.
The congress, held on Wednesday in all 203 wards of the state, was largely peaceful until violence erupted in parts of Idanre Local Government Area. Suspected political thugs, allegedly linked to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), reportedly stormed some venues and disrupted the exercise.
The unrest later spread to some communities on the outskirts of the state capital, particularly in Iju/Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area, where violent clashes were recorded.
The state police command confirmed that two persons lost their lives in the attacks, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Among the victims was Mr. Raphael Adetimehin, younger brother of the APC State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin. He was reportedly brutalised during the clash and is currently in a coma at a hospital in Akure.
Reacting to the incidents, Governor Aiyedatiwa condemned the violence and described it as unacceptable and contrary to democratic principles. He ordered security agencies to immediately identify, arrest and prosecute all those involved, regardless of their political affiliations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring that political processes in the state are conducted in a safe and orderly manner. He urged party members and residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives as investigations continue.
Security presence has since been intensified in the affected areas to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
