Maha Christopher
The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attack on the Accord Party chairman in Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola, who is currently receiving treatment after being shot by gunmen in Osogbo.
According to The Punch, the incident occurred around 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday in the MDS area of Osogbo when two armed men riding a motorcycle allegedly attacked Ajibola in what police described as an apparent attempt on his life.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command swiftly responded after receiving a distress call.
“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,” Ojelabi said.
He added that operational teams immediately launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
“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 stated.
Condemning the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ordered a full scale investigation into the incident.
“He 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,” Ojelabi said.
The command assured residents that efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government said Ajibola remains on the danger list at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government said one of the occupants of the vehicle carrying Ajibola recounted that gunmen suddenly opened fire on them while they were returning from the MDS area.
According to Alimi, the victims managed to escape to the nearby Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters for safety before the attackers fled.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the commissioner urged security agencies to ensure those behind the attack are identified and prosecuted.
“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.
