NIGERIA: Gunshots, Chaos As Osun APC, PDP Members Clash Over LG Secretariats

By Onoja Baba, Osogbo 

Gunfire and violent confrontations erupted across Osun State on Monday as members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed over control of local government secretariats.

The tense political showdown led to panic in multiple locations, forcing businesses to shut down and residents to flee for safety.

The most intense skirmish occurred at the Osogbo Central Local Government Secretariat in Oke Baale, where gunshots rang out as party members attempted to force their way into the premises. Witnesses reported seeing a bloodied man engaged in a fight with another suspected political thug.

Amid the chaos, the Osogbo/Ibokun Road was deserted, with heavily armed police officers stationed at the secretariat’s entrance as hoodlums fired sporadically into the air.

At Atakumosa West Local Government Secretariat, a former Osun State House of Assembly member, Festus Komolafe, led elected APC members into the premises but withdrew shortly after.

Meanwhile, in Egbedore Local Government Secretariat, PDP members wielding canes gathered at the entrance, chanting songs and daring their APC rivals to approach.

In Ayedaade LGA, reports indicate that APC members arrived early at the secretariat in Gbongan, while in Boripe LGA, elected APC officials from the October 15, 2022, local government elections resumed at the Iragbiji secretariat without incident.

However, an attempt by APC members to take control of the Olorunda Local Government Secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo, was met with stiff resistance, escalating tensions further.

Armed police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives, and members of the Amotekun Corps were deployed to prevent violence.

Officers dispersed APC members gathered at the Olorunda secretariat, while the gate remained locked to prevent any takeover attempt.

In a disturbing turn, suspected thugs assaulted individuals recording the scene from a nearby building, smashing their phones and attacking bystanders with charms.

Addressing the PDP supporters outside the secretariat, Osun State Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Gani Olaoluwa, urged them to remain peaceful and stand firm against what he described as an “illegal takeover.”

“We won’t allow any unlawful seizure of our secretariats. No court ruling restored them,” Olaoluwa declared.

The situation remains tense, with security forces on high alert as both parties continue to jostle for control of the local government structures.