Chaos broke out in Osun State on Monday after gunmen stormed the Irewole Local Government Secretariat in Ikire, killing Remi Abass, the sacked chairman of the council. Witnesses said the attack happened suddenly, sending people running for their lives.
“It was sudden and chaotic. People ran for safety,” said a local resident who preferred to remain anonymous.
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured residents that investigations are ongoing. Police spokesperson SP Yemisi Opalola stated, “We are working to apprehend the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.”
Abass was among the local government chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) who were removed from office by a Federal High Court ruling in Osogbo in November 2022. His killing has further heightened political tensions in the state.
Meanwhile, two other people were also killed in a violent clash in Boripe Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the crisis started when rival groups allegedly linked to both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC tried to take control of the council.
The victims, identified as Ege and Igara, were reportedly shot dead by hoodlums. Eyewitnesses said Ege had recently defected from the APC to the PDP. His death has left his family devastated, as he was their only son. His father is also said to be a PDP member.
Another person, identified as Yinka, a photographer, was also shot and is currently in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.
