​Voting was abruptly thrown into chaos on Saturday morning at Ward 8, Unit 1, Isale Aregba, Ilesa East Local Government Area, the polling center of former Osun State Governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola—following an attack by armed political thugs.
​The peaceful electoral process turned violent at approximately 09:30 AM when a gang of unidentified, armed hoodlums invaded the venue. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and in unmarked vehicles, firing warning shots into the air to scatter waiting voters, electoral officers, and election observers.
​The assault led to the destruction of voting materials, including ballot boxes and sensitive Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) documentation. Voters were forced to flee for safety as panic gripped the Isale Aregba community in Ilesa East.
​Reactions from political factions, security agencies, and election officials were swift following the disruption:
Speaking on behalf of the former minister, media aide Sola Fasure condemned the assault, describing it as a calculated attempt by political adversaries to disenfranchise citizens in Aregbesola’s stronghold. ​”This unprovoked attack on democratic processes at the former governor’s polling unit is an outrage,” Fasure stated. “We demand an immediate investigation into the actors behind this violence to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
​”This unprovoked attack on democratic processes at the former governor’s polling unit is an outrage,” Fasure stated. “We demand an immediate investigation into the actors behind this violence to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Confirming the incident, Osun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Yemisi Opalola, stated that additional tactical teams had been deployed to stabilize the area. ​”Our officers responded promptly to reports of disruption at Ward 8, Unit 1 in Ilesa East,” Opalola said. “Calm has been restored, and security personnel are actively trailing the suspects who fled the scene.”
​”Our officers responded promptly to reports of disruption at Ward 8, Unit 1 in Ilesa East,” Opalola said. “Calm has been restored, and security personnel are actively trailing the suspects who fled the scene.”
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, confirmed that voting activities at the unit were temporarily halted due to safety concerns and damaged materials.
​Following the arrival of reinforced security forces, comprising police personnel and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the area was cordoned off to prevent further breakdown of order. INEC officials are currently evaluating the extent of damage to ballot papers and equipment before determining whether voting will be extended or rescheduled for the affected voters at the polling unit.
