NIGERIA: Suspected Thugs Attack Gbolarumi’s Residence In Ibadan

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Tension erupted in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday after suspected political thugs attacked the residence of former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi.

The attack occurred as a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, commenced local government congresses across the state.

The party in Oyo State has been divided between supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde and another faction aligned with Wike.

Chairman of the Wike-aligned faction, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed the attacks, saying several congress venues were disrupted and properties destroyed in different parts of the state.

He said: “Our local government congresses were attacked across Oyo State. Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Igboora in Ibarapa Central and Akinyele.”

He added: “Three vehicles were destroyed in Ibadan North. They also attacked Gbolarumi’s house at Aare Avenue, Bodija.”

According to him, at least 10 people were injured during the attacks, while more than 25 vehicles were damaged across various locations.

Akinoso said: “About ten people have been injured in the various attacks across the state. More than 25 vehicles have been reported damaged across various locations.”

He also alleged that the hoodlums moved across several local government areas attacking individuals and destroying property.

Akinoso said: “The thugs are moving round the local governments, attacking individuals at home, damaging buildings and unleashing mayhem.”

Speaking on the attack, Gbolarumi said he was inside his residence when the suspected thugs launched the assault.

He said: “It’s true that my house was attacked by some political thugs. The media reports flying around on social media is true. It is Governor Seyi Makinde that is behind the attack.”

According to him, the attackers arrived in about 15 buses and allegedly included members of the state Park Management System.

Gbolarumi said: “About eight vehicles were damaged in my compound, some vehicles outside were also damaged beyond repairs. They were also shooting sporadically.”

He estimated that properties worth about N250 million were destroyed during the attack.

He said: “About N250 million worth of property were destroyed during the attack by the political thugs.”

The former deputy governor added that the incident had been reported to security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the attack and said the police had begun investigation.

He said: “We received a report of the attack on the residence of a former deputy governor of the state.”

Ayanlade added that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had ordered the arr

est of those responsible for the attack.