The lingering local government crisis in Oyo State took another violent dimension on Monday, as a clash between supporters of the sacked Chairmen and Caretaker Chairmen in Surulere Local Government, Ireseadu, resulted in the death of one Isah Azeez, while several got injured.
Azeez, 50 years was said to have been shot dead as supporters of the sacked Chairman made moves to wrest leadership of the local government from the Caretaker Chairman who had arrived Monday morning to resume office.
In the gun exchange, Azeez, popularly known as Alajase, was shot dead, while one Dotun Somefun and several others around the Surulere local government sustained injuries while trying to escape from the attack.
The clash was said to have emanated from the Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who occupied the local government secretariats last week, attempting to continue in office, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmen had resumed office on Monday morning.
Prior to the Surulere clash, political thugs had also vandalized vehicles and motorcycles in adjoining local governments of Ogbomoso North and Ogbomoso South local government areas and Ogbomoso Central LCDA.
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Oyo Police Public Relations Officer, Gbenga Fadeyi who confirmed the killing, said Somefun was been treated in an Ogbomoso hospital but was also assisting the police in its investigation into the matter.
“Today at about 12:30 hrs, two vehicles, one black Acura Legend and black Volkwagen Golf vehicles were coming from Iwofin towards Ogbomoso and around Surulere LG, Iresadu, there was an attack and the occupants of the vehicles fired and one Isah Azeez, male, about 50 yrs sustained bullet injury and was rushed to Bowen Teaching Hospital for treatment where he was later confirmed dead.
“The crowd outside also fired at the vehicles where One Dotun Somefun, male, an occupant of the Acura was also injured, treated in a hospital in Ogbomoso by his group.
“He is currently in Police custody & assisting the Police in their Investigation, while DC CID is investigating the matter,” Fadeyi said.
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