BREAKING: TENSION IN OSUN AS ACCORD PARTY ALLEGES ABDUCTION OF TWO MEMBERS BY SUSPECTED HOODLUMS

TENSION IN OSUN AS ACCORD PARTY ALLEGES ABDUCTION OF TWO MEMBERS BY SUSPECTED HOODLUMS

Tension has risen in parts of Osun State after two individuals identified as members of the Accord Party were reportedly abducted in Ilesa by suspected hoodlums, sparking protests and fresh political accusations ahead of the state’s governorship race.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, triggered public concern after videos circulating online showed one of the victims pleading with his captors while gunshots were intermittently fired into the air before he was forced into a vehicle bearing the inscription “AMBO,” an acronym associated with the governorship campaign of All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

In another viral video, an elderly woman believed to be a resident of Ilesa was seen at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, publicly protesting the alleged abduction of her son.

The woman claimed suspected hoodlums stormed their home while they were eating and forcefully took her son away despite repeated pleas for his release.

According to eyewitness accounts, members of the Accord Party later staged a peaceful protest in Ilesa, demanding the immediate release of the two victims.

The protesters marched from the Otapete area of Ilesa to the Owa’s Palace carrying placards with inscriptions including “Save us from hoodlums,” “We are living in fear,” and other messages calling for urgent intervention from security agencies.

Led by House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Ibraheem Popoola, the protesters alleged that the abductions were politically motivated and urged authorities to prevent a repeat of similar incidents.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that security authorities were aware of the incidents.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the matter involved more than a simple abduction case, with authorities now examining other criminal elements connected to the incident.

Ojelabi stated that the two affected individuals are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries.

He also confirmed that those responsible for carrying out the abductions had not yet been arrested.

Meanwhile, the Osun State APC Governorship Campaign Council denied allegations linking the party to the incident.

In a statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity Committee of the campaign organization, Remi Omowaiye, the APC accused political opponents of allegedly branding vehicles with APC campaign symbols in an attempt to damage the image of the party and its governorship candidate.

The party described the viral video as part of what it called a deliberate attempt to create political tension and tarnish its reputation ahead of the election.

As of the time of reporting, officials of the Accord Party had not publicly responded to the APC’s allegations.

The development has intensified concerns over political tensions and security challenges in Osun State as stakeholders call for calm and urge security agencies to ensure law and order.