By Adesakin Adefemi
Violence rocked parts of Oyo State on Saturday as suspected political thugs launched coordinated attacks on local government congresses organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The brazen assault left several party members injured, vehicles vandalised, and property destroyed, plunging the party into further crisis.
Eyewitnesses described the scenes as “chaotic” and “terrifying” as hoodlums stormed congress venues, assaulting participants and vandalising vehicles in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the exercise.
Chairman of the Wike-aligned PDP faction in the state, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed that the attacks occurred in multiple locations, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Akinyele and Igboora in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.
“At least ten people sustained injuries during the violence, while several vehicles were damaged,” Akinoso disclosed, adding that three vehicles were vandalised at Gbolarumi House located on Are Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the venue where members of the faction had gathered for the exercise.
The attacks have heightened tensions within the party as rival factions continued to struggle for control of its structure in the state. The incident occurred amid separate reports that suspected political thugs also invaded the residence of former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, in Ibadan, destroying property within the compound.
Gbolarumi’s residence was attacked, with items worth millions of naira reportedly destroyed. The former deputy governor and his aides narrowly escaped the invasion. The police have confirmed the incident and assured that they are on top of the situation.
The violence has sparked concerns about the stability of the PDP in Oyo State, with some calling for calm and peaceful resolution to the crisis. The party is currently divided into two factions, one loyal to Wike and the other aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde.
Prominent politicians and community leaders have condemned the attacks, calling on security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice. “This kind of violence is unacceptable and undermines the democratic process,” said a statement from the Oyo State PDP. “We urge the authorities to take swift action to restore peace and order.”
As the situation continues to unfold, party members are anxiously awaiting the outcome, fearing further escalation of violence. The PDP’s internal crisis shows no signs of abating, and the party’s leadership is under pressure to act decisively to restore unity and calm.
