Panic in Osogbo as Gunmen Attack Adeleke’s Convoy After Certificate of Return

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

Gunfire erupted in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Wednesday after suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after his visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The incident triggered an exchange of gunfire between the suspected attackers and security personnel attached to the governor. The shooting reportedly lasted between 12 and 15 minutes.

Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s Palace at about 3:15 pm in a convoy of about 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo, where he received his Certificate of Return following his re-election.

An eyewitness told that trouble began shortly after the governor’s meeting with the monarch ended. According to the eyewitness, Adeleke had already entered his vehicle when heavy gunshots were heard.

The witness alleged that the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna vehicle through the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo and engaged the governor’s security personnel in a gun battle.

The attackers reportedly fled after the security personnel repelled them, while the governor’s convoy subsequently left the palace.

A trader near the palace, identified as Munirat, said the attackers may have learnt of the governor’s visit and waited for his arrival.

She alleged that the hoodlums damaged the palace’s main gate and fired shots towards the entrance before security personnel pushed them back. She added that the attackers later engaged the governor’s security team near the Osogbo Central Mosque before fleeing towards Ita-Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.

The incident caused panic among residents, traders and business owners in the area, with many reportedly abandoning their shops and businesses and running to safety.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the attackers as hoodlums and said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled them.

He added that no casualty was recorded.

As of about 4:45 pm, sporadic gunshots were still reportedly being heard around the area, while several business owners had hurriedly shut their shops amid fears of further violence.

The incident occurred shortly after Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from INEC following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.