Many injured as thugs disrupt Wike-backed PDP congresses in Oyo

 

Violence erupted in several parts of Oyo State on Saturday as suspected political thugs reportedly carried out coordinated attacks on local government congresses organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The attacks left a number of party members injured and property damaged.

The disturbances coincided with reports that suspected political thugs also invaded the residence of former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, in Ibadan, where property within the compound was destroyed, further escalating tension within the party.

Although full details of the incident were still unclear at the time of filing this report, sources close to the former deputy governor said he and his aides narrowly escaped during the invasion.

Witnesses and party sources stated that hoodlums stormed several venues where the congresses were being held, attacking participants and vandalising vehicles in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the exercise.

Chairman of the Wike-aligned faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed that the attacks were recorded in different locations, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Akinyele and Igboora in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.

According to him, no fewer than ten persons were injured in the violence, while several vehicles were also damaged.

“Our local government congresses were attacked across Oyo State, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Igboora in Ibarapa Central and Akinyele,” Akinoso said in a telephone interview.

He added that three vehicles were vandalised at Gbolarumi House located on Are Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan, where members of the faction had gathered for the exercise.

The incidents have further heightened tensions within the party as rival factions continue to contest control of the party’s structure in the state.

(VANGUARD)