Osun: Police recover Toyota Sienna linked to Adeleke’s convoy attack

The police investigation into the violent attack on the convoy of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has taken a new turn with the recovery of a Toyota Sienna allegedly linked to the hoodlums involved in the incident.

The vehicle was recovered in the Gbeja area of Oke-Baale, Osogbo, after operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), Team “F”, led by CSP Afolabi Lukman, reportedly tracked it to the area.

Sources close to the investigation said the suspected occupants had abandoned the vehicle and fled before the police team arrived. Investigators, however, reportedly recovered some items from the vehicle, including campaign insignia belonging to the Accord Party.

The development is expected to provide investigators with additional leads as the police intensify efforts to identify those who participated in the attack at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo.

The incident, which occurred during Governor Adeleke’s movement through the palace area, reportedly resulted in injuries and the death of one person, triggering condemnation from political stakeholders across the state.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, declined to provide details of the recovery, explaining that the matter was still under investigation.

He said the command would make its position known when appropriate.

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The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), however, has used the incident to renew its criticism of the state government over alleged political violence.

Meanwhile, in a statement signed by Remi Omowaye, the APC accused the governor’s political camp of allowing hoodlums to operate with impunity and urged Adeleke to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation of tension.

The party specifically alleged that a suspected thug identified as Taoreed Ademola, popularly known as “Small Rugged”, led the attack, and claimed that his release from prison was facilitated by the state government.

The APC called on the governor to demonstrate leadership by restraining his supporters, political appointees and alleged political thugs, warning that continued violence could plunge Osun into a deeper political crisis.

The party also expressed sympathy to those injured in the incident and commiserated with the family of the person who lost his life, while the police investigation into the attack continues.