The Osun State Police Command announced on Thursday that it has begun investigating the attack on the Accord chairman of Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola, who is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo after sustaining severe injuries.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, the police disclosed that the incident happened around 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday in the MDS Area of Osogbo. According to the statement, two armed men riding a motorcycle allegedly attacked Ajibola in what appeared to be an attempted assassination.
Ojelabi stated that immediately after the report was received, both tactical and conventional police teams were deployed to the location.
“A team of police officers swiftly evacuated the victim to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
“Medical personnel have confirmed that Hon Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment.
“Simultaneously, other operational teams launched an aggressive pursuit of the fleeing suspects in an effort to apprehend them and bring them to justice.
“Preliminary investigation at the scene led to the recovery of exhibits which are currently being subjected to forensic analysis,” he further said.
Expressing concern over the attack, Ojelabi revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had directed a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
“He (CP) has directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution.
”The command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.
“Citizens are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and provide credible information that may assist the police in tracking down the perpetrators,” the statement read.
Reacting separately, the Osun State Government, through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said Ajibola remained in critical condition at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
Alimi explained that one of the passengers in the vehicle with Ajibola recounted that they were returning from the MDS Area at about 9:50 p.m. when armed men suddenly pursued their vehicle and opened fire on its occupants.
He noted that the victims were able to flee to the nearby Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters for safety, causing the attackers to withdraw and escape.
The commissioner called on the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and identify those behind it.
“It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated.
“The culprits must be brought to book. We are, therefore, calling on the police to carry out their investigation, professionally, without fear or favour, in unearthing the masterminds of the attack, which, from all available indices, has elements of political colourations,” Alimi said.
