Osun APC candidate alleges threat to lives of electorate in 8 villages

THE All Progressive Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate in Osun East Senatorial District, Hon Ajibola Israel Famurewa, has alleged threat to the lives of the people of eight villages in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun state by alleged thugs from the opposition candidates.

Famurewa, a serving member of the House of Representative representing Ijesa South federal constituency and the Director General of the campaign organisation of the governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola stated this during a press conference by party leaders and other APC candidates to address the security challenges of his zone after a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Ige at the state headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital.

He alleged that residents of Iwara, Olowu, Atorin, Ifewara, Temidayo, Tobalase, Lapaide and Faforiji communities in Atakunmosa East Local Government of Osun state were on Thursday, thrown into confusion when gunmen suspected to be armed political thugs attacked villagers in the build-up to postponed Saturday elections.

In the attack which was said to have occurred around 11:30 pm, on Thursday evening, an eleven years old girl, Rukayat Balogun was shot in the leg by the suspected political thugs who invaded Iwara village and searched indiscriminately all the houses in the affected community.

The mother of the victim identified as Fasilat is said to be an active member of the APC and a food vendor in the O-Meal school feeding programme.

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Famurewa who expressed worries about the influx of thugs into the villages said for over a week, the suspected thugs have been terrorizing people of the areas especially the supporters of the All Progressives Congress APC, mainly because Atakumosa East was won convincingly by the APC in the last gubernatorial election despite the huge financial inducements.

“The thugs were said to have armed with dangerous weapons like guns, axes and charms were moving around freely for four hours which the operation lasted. The mother of the eleven years old girl who is currently receiving treatment in the Wesley Guild hospital Ilesa also confirmed that her house was ransacked when the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole paid an unscheduled visit on the recuperating girl whose leg was sprayed with bullets,” he said.

While calling on the Police to swing into action and ensure the perpetrators are arrested, investigated and brought to face the full wrath of justice, Famurewa urged that authorities should not connive to kill the case.

Other leaders on his entourage, which included Chief Adebiyi Adelowo, Hon Lawrence Ayeni, Ho Wale Adedoyin also advised the Commissioner of police to transfer all the DPOs in Ijesaland to forestall total breakdown of law and order.

“Though we have appealed to our members and supporters to remain calm in the face of provocation, let it be known that we are resolute in our determination to resist violence and intimidation in our land,” they concluded.