The Osun State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting of the Accord Party chairman in Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola, following an attack by gunmen that left him critically injured.
Ajibola is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, after he was shot by suspected assassins on Wednesday night in what authorities have described as an apparent attempt on his life.
The incident has sparked concern among political stakeholders and residents of the state, with both the police and the Osun State Government calling for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Yemisi Opalola? No, wait. The statement was signed by the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, who confirmed that the attack occurred at about 9:50 p.m. in the MDS area of Osogbo.
According to the police, two armed men riding on a motorcycle allegedly trailed and attacked Ajibola in a coordinated assault.
Ojelabi said the command received a distress call shortly after the incident and immediately mobilised tactical and conventional police teams to the scene.
He explained that officers quickly rescued the victim and rushed him to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
“A team of police officers swiftly evacuated the victim to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment,” the statement said.
“Medical personnel have confirmed that Hon. Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment.”
The police spokesperson added that efforts to track down the attackers began immediately after the shooting.
According to him, operational teams were deployed to pursue the fleeing suspects and gather evidence that could assist in identifying those behind the attack.
“Simultaneously, other operational teams launched an aggressive pursuit of the fleeing suspects in an effort to apprehend them and bring them to justice,” Ojelabi said.
He further disclosed that investigators recovered exhibits from the scene of the attack and that the materials were undergoing forensic examination as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command strongly condemned the attack and assured residents that everything possible would be done to uncover those responsible.
Ojelabi revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a high-powered investigation into the shooting.
According to him, the police commissioner directed all relevant units to deploy available resources toward solving the case.
“He has directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution,” the statement said.
The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist investigators.
“The command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.
“Citizens are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and provide credible information that may assist the police in tracking down the perpetrators,” Ojelabi added.
While the police stated that Ajibola was in stable condition, the Osun State Government painted a more serious picture of his health status.
In a separate statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government disclosed that the Accord chairman remained on the danger list at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital.
The commissioner said details provided by one of the occupants of the vehicle carrying Ajibola suggested that the attack was carefully planned.
According to Alimi, the victims were returning from the MDS area of Osogbo around 9:50 p.m. when armed men suddenly began chasing their vehicle.
He said the attackers opened fire repeatedly on the vehicle, forcing the occupants to flee for safety.
The commissioner explained that the victims managed to drive to the nearby Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters, where they sought protection from the gunmen.
The quick decision to head for the police station, he noted, may have prevented a greater tragedy.
He added that the attackers eventually abandoned the pursuit and fled the area after the victims reached the police facility.
The state government condemned the shooting and called for a thorough and professional investigation into the incident.
Alimi urged the police to ensure that the perpetrators and anyone connected to the attack are identified and prosecuted.
“It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated,” he said.
“The culprits must be brought to book. We are, therefore, calling on the police to carry out their investigation professionally, without fear or favour, in unearthing the masterminds of the attack.”
The commissioner further suggested that preliminary indications pointed to possible political motives behind the attack.
According to him, available information surrounding the incident suggested that it may have political undertones, although he stopped short of directly accusing any individual or group.
“From all available indices, the attack has elements of political colouration,” Alimi stated.
The shooting comes at a time when political activities in Osun State are gradually gaining momentum ahead of future electoral contests.
Although no official link has been established between the attack and political activities in the state, the incident has raised concerns among political observers and residents.
Political violence has been a recurring issue in parts of Nigeria, particularly during periods of heightened political competition. Security agencies have often been urged to act swiftly against politically motivated attacks to prevent escalation and maintain public confidence in democratic processes.
The Accord Party, though not among the dominant political parties in Osun State, remains an active participant in the state’s political landscape. An attack on one of its local government leaders is therefore likely to attract attention across party lines.
As investigations continue, residents are waiting for answers regarding the motive behind the attack and the identity of those responsible.
For now, security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the gunmen, while family members, political associates and supporters of Ajibola continue to pray for his recovery.