The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the shooting of the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila.
Ajibola was reportedly attacked by armed men on Wednesday night in Osogbo, the state capital, in an incident that has sparked concerns over political violence in the state.
Sources said the attack occurred around 9:50 p.m. in the MDS area near the Osogbo Community Bank axis, sending residents and road users into panic as gunshots echoed across the neighbourhood.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants targeted a blue Toyota Corolla conveying the politician and several others.
A source familiar with the incident said the attackers trailed the vehicle before opening fire in what appeared to be a coordinated assault.
The source disclosed that the occupants of the car narrowly escaped the attack and raced to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters, where they sought refuge.
Ajibola, who sustained injuries during the incident, was later taken to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for medical attention.
Reacting to the development, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation to uncover those behind the shooting.
He described the incident as disturbing and urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were identified and prosecuted.
Alimi also stressed the need for investigators to handle the case professionally, noting that preliminary indications suggested possible political motivations.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the attack was allegedly carried out by two armed men riding on a motorcycle.
He stated that police operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress call, evacuated the victim to a hospital and immediately commenced efforts to track down the suspects.
Ojelabi added that the victim was responding well to treatment and remained in stable condition.
According to him, exhibits recovered from the scene are being subjected to forensic examination as part of ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the attack and ordered a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He directed tactical and investigative units of the command to deploy all necessary resources towards identifying the attackers, effecting their arrest and ensuring they face prosecution.