Thugs Unleash Chaos at Wike-Backed PDP Congresses in Oyo, Injuring 25 and Vandalising Properties
Violence erupted across several local government areas in Oyo State on Saturday as suspected political thugs disrupted congresses organised by the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The state PDP remains deeply divided between two rival camps: one aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde and the other supporting Wike. The Wike-led faction proceeded with its local government congresses on Saturday despite the ongoing rift.
Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that the congresses descended into chaos in multiple locations, including Ibadan North, Ido, Ibarapa Central, Akinyele, and Ogbomoso North. Hoodlums reportedly attacked party members, injuring at least 25 people, while vandalising properties such as houses and vehicles.
In a particularly notable incident, the residence of former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Hazim Gbolarumi, in Bodija, Ibadan North, came under attack. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed at the building, with reports of several vehicles damaged on the premises.
Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, Chairman of the Wike-aligned PDP faction in Oyo State, confirmed the widespread attacks to journalists on Saturday afternoon. He described thugs moving from one area to another, unleashing terror on individuals and damaging buildings. “There may be a need to upgrade the damages. More than 25 vehicles have been reported damaged. They are moving round the local governments, attacking individuals at home. Buildings were damaged,” Akinoso stated.
The Oyo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, acknowledged the incidents when contacted. He clarified that the violence occurred outside congress venues and described it as an internal party matter. “It is an internal affair of a political party. It did not happen at the congress. It is outside the congress venues,” Ayanlade said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered the arrest of the hoodlums involved, particularly in connection with the assault on the former deputy governor’s residence. “We received a report of the attack on the residence of a former governor of the state. CP has ordered for the arrest of the hoodlums. We are on top of the matter,” the police spokesman assured.
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