Police Arrest Osun Commissioner Over Gunshots at APC Rally in Ilesa

By Reporter

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Mayowa Asejoorin, in connection with a shooting incident that disrupted an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Ilesa on Saturday.

At least four persons were reportedly injured in the incident, which occurred just nine days before the Osun State governorship election.

The incident has further heightened political tension in the state, with conflicting accounts emerging over what triggered the violence.

According to reports, APC supporters attending the campaign rally in Ilesa were allegedly attacked by some chieftains of the Accord Party, leading to sporadic gunshots in parts of the metropolis.

Several people were reportedly injured in the ensuing violence, including a 14-year-old boy identified as Ilesanmi.

No death was reported as of press time, while the injured victims were said to have been taken to a hospital for medical attention.

An eyewitness, Kola Adeoti, said Ilesanmi was at his mother’s shop when he was struck in the thigh by a stray bullet.

Adeoti further alleged that personnel of a security outfit operating in the state, who were escorting some Accord Party chieftains, opened fire directly at APC supporters, triggering protests in the area.

The allegation could not be independently verified as of press time.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the commissioner was arrested in connection with the shooting and that investigations had commenced.

Ojelabi said police personnel were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving the report and cordoned off the area.

He added that officers recovered several items believed to be connected to the incident, including spent cartridges and caps bearing the insignia of the Amotekun security outfit.

“Immediately the incident was reported, our personnel moved to the scene and cordoned off the area before some exhibits were recovered, which included expended cartridges and Amotekun personnel caps,” Ojelabi said.

He further stated that Asejoorin was arrested at the scene and taken to the police command for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

The police did not, however, disclose the specific allegations against the commissioner or whether any other persons had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The development comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the Osun governorship election, with parties intensifying campaigns and rallies across the state.