The Osun State Police Command has commenced an extensive investigation into the shooting attack on the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osogbo Local Government Area, Mr Ashimiyu Ajibola.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the incident is believed to have been a targeted assassination attempt carried out by gunmen riding on a motorcycle.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Osogbo, Ojelabi disclosed that the attack occurred at about 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday around the MDS area of the state capital when two armed men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on Ajibola’s vehicle.
He explained that police operatives swiftly responded after receiving a distress report and were immediately deployed to the scene to assess the situation and commence preliminary investigations.
The police spokesperson said the victim was rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention and is currently receiving treatment.
He further revealed that medical personnel attending to Ajibola confirmed that he remains in stable condition and is responding well to treatment.
Ojelabi stated that security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the assailants, stressing that a coordinated manhunt is underway to ensure those behind the attack are apprehended and brought to justice.
He added that investigators recovered several exhibits from the crime scene, which have been forwarded for forensic examination as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Mr Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the incident and directed a thorough investigation into the matter. He also ordered the deployment of additional resources to aid the pursuit of the suspects.
Also reacting, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi, denounced the attack and called for a comprehensive probe.
Alimi, in a statement, said the incident involving the victim, who now serves as the Accord Party Chairman in Osogbo Local Government Area, must be thoroughly investigated.
He urged law enforcement authorities to leave no stone unturned in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the attack.
Ajibola was previously a PDP member in Osogbo Local Government Area before defecting to the Accord Party, where he later emerged as chairman.
