UPDATED: Suspected thugs attack ex-deputy governor Gbolarumi’s residence in Ibadan
…as PDP faction loyal Wike begins congress Tension erupted in the Bodija area of Ibadan on Saturday as hoodlums suspected to be political thugs attacked the residence of former deputy
...as PDP faction loyal Wike begins congress
Tension erupted in the Bodija area of Ibadan on Saturday as hoodlums suspected to be political thugs attacked the residence of former deputy governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi.
The attack coincided with the commencement of local government congresses by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Nation reports that PDP in the state is divided, with one faction loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde and the other aligned with Wike.
Gbolarumi alleged that Governor Makinde orchestrated the attacks against perceived opponents unwilling to support his faction of the party.
In addition to the assault on Gbolarumi’s residence, thugs reportedly attacked congress venues across several local government areas, causing destruction of property valued at hundreds of millions of naira.
Incidents were reported in Ibadan North, Ido, Ibarapa Central, Akinyele, and Ogbomoso North.
Chairman of the Wike-aligned faction, Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed the incidents, stating that at least 10 people were attacked and injured, while numerous vehicles were vandalised during the disruptions.
Prof Akinoso said, “Our local government congresses were attacked across Oyo state. Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Igboora (Ibarapa Central) Akinyele.
“Three vehicles were deatroyed in Ibadan North, they also attacked Gbolarumi House at Aare Avenue Bodija.
"About ten people have been injured in the various attacks across the state. There may be a need to upgrade the damages. More than 25 vehicles have been reported damaged across various locations.
"The thugs are moving round the local governments, attacking individuals at home, damaging buildings and unleashing mayhem"
Akinoso noted that thugs are moving round to unleash terror on the people.
"At Gbolarumi’s residence about eight vehicles were destroyed as the suspected hoodlums throw stones and other dangerous objects into the building from outside.
When contacted, the former deputy governor told Sunday Nation on phone that he was in the house when the attack was launched against his residence but that the reaction from some of his neighbours reduced the extent of the damage.
He said the suspected thugs came in about 15 buses, adding that some of them are known members of the state Park Management System (PMS).
He valued the extent of the damage to the tune of N250 million, noting that eight vehicles in the compound were damaged aside the ones parked in front of his house.
Gbolarunmi said, "It's true that my house was attacked by some political thugs. The media reports flying around on social media is true. It is Governor Seyi Makinde that is behind the attack. The thugs came in 15 buses to my reaidence in Bodija.
"About eight vehicles were damaged in my compound, some vehicle outside were also damaged beyond repairs. They were also shooting sporadically. Our boys would have caught them but for the guys they were shooting.
"What I felt happened was that we held our local government congresses across the state today, following a directive from the national body of our party, as you know that we are the authentic PDP known and validated by the court and their own PDP was not recognised by both court and INEC,
"Even some of our members were injured with cutlasses, beaten, many were attacked in their homes and wounded after being Intimidated by Seyi Makinde's political thugs.
"The governor sent the Park Management System group (Motor park boys) to attacked us because we do not support the PDP he is carrying about."
He confirmed that he was in the house within the compound while the atack lasted, saying his supporters tried to repel the attack but for the guns they used in the course of the attack.
"About 250 million worth of property were destroyed during the attack by the political thugs loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde
"We have reported the case to the Oyo state commissioner of police, the Director of DSS has visited through their men and have done an on the spot assesment of the situation as it happened.
"They even took pictures and made videos, though we are yet to be informed that anyone has been arrested in connection with the attacks. It."
Confirming the incident, Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police is on top of the matter.
He said, “It is an internal affair of a political party. It did not happen at the congress. It is outside the congress venues.
“We received a report of the attack on the residence of a former governor of the state.
"The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna has ordered for the arrest of the hoodlums. We are on top of the matter."
