Violence erupted in parts of Oyo State on Saturday during local government congresses organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The clashes occurred amid an ongoing leadership divide within the PDP in the state. One faction is aligned with the state governor, Seyi Makinde, while the other is loyal to Wike. The Wike-backed faction held its local government congresses across several areas on Saturday.
However, the exercise was marred by violence as suspected thugs attacked individuals and properties in multiple locations. Reports indicate that at least 25 people sustained injuries during the attacks.
Several houses and vehicles were also vandalised in the unrest, which affected local government areas including Ibadan North, Ido, Ibarapa Central, Akinyele, and Ogbomoso North.
Among the affected properties was the residence of former Deputy Governor Hazim Gbolarumi, located in the Bodija area of Ibadan North. Sources said the attackers vandalised parts of the building and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
Chairman of the Wike-aligned PDP faction in Oyo State, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed the attacks on Saturday, alleging that armed thugs were moving across communities to unleash violence.
“There may be a need to upgrade the damage reports. More than 25 vehicles have already been confirmed destroyed. They are going round the local governments attacking individuals at their homes. Buildings were also damaged,” Akinoso said.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said security operatives had been deployed to restore order.
Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade stated that the command had received reports of the attack, particularly on the residence of the former deputy governor.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible for the violence.
“It is an internal affair of a political party. The incident did not occur at the congress venues but outside them. However, we are on top of the situation and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the hoodlums involved,” Ayanlade said.
