Gunmen attacked the convoy of Sekinat Oyebamiji, the wife of Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Asiwaju Oyebamiji, in Ede South Local Government Area of the state. The assault took place on Sunday evening, shortly after Mrs. Oyebamiji had finished a political engagement in Alajue Ward 2, where she met with residents and party supporters. She was accompanied by Princess Bukola Adereti, the wife of APC deputy governorship candidate Alhaji Kayode Adereti, during the visit.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack was carried out by a group of about fifteen assailants around 7 p.m. as Mrs. Oyebamiji was leaving the venue. The gunmen opened fire on the convoy, but both Mrs. Oyebamiji and Princess Adereti escaped without injury. One member of the convoy, identified as the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Sekona Branch, suffered serious head injuries. He was immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of political figures in the region. Local security officials have said they are investigating the attack and are working to identify the perpetrators. The APC has condemned the violence and called for calm, urging supporters to remain peaceful.
The wounded NURTW chairman is reportedly receiving intensive care, and his condition is being monitored closely by medical staff. No further casualties have been reported, and the convoy members who were not injured are expected to recover fully.
Security agencies have increased patrols in Ede South and surrounding areas in response to the incident. Police have urged anyone with information about the attackers to come forward. The APC has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and to ensure that the safety of its members and supporters is protected.
The attack underscores the volatile political climate in Osun State, where tensions have risen in recent months. While the immediate focus is on the medical treatment of the injured chairman and the investigation into the assailants, the incident also highlights the broader challenges of maintaining public order during politically charged periods.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are expected to release further details about the motives behind the attack and any potential links to political rivalries. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by political actors in the region and the importance of robust security measures to safeguard democratic processes.
