Violence during an All Progressives Congress congress in Ondo State led to at least two deaths and several injuries, including the chairman's brother being hospitalized.
On Wednesday, violence erupted during the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Nigeria, resulting in the feared deaths of at least two individuals. The incident unfolded in Idanre Local Government Area, where multiple party members sustained injuries, and a vehicle was set ablaze. This violence comes shortly after suspected political thugs disrupted a stakeholders’ meeting in the party's secretariat, indicating a possible build-up of tension within the local party framework.
The chaos during the congress prohibited it from taking place in certain wards, with reports emerging of hoodlums attacking members. One of the identified victims was Raphael Adetimehin, brother of the state APC chairman, who was reportedly shot and wounded in the disturbances. The motivations behind the violence remain unclear, but the incidents reflect increasing volatility and conflicts among party factions, foreshadowing potential challenges leading up to upcoming elections in the state.
Ade Adetimehin, the state APC chairman, confirmed the attack on his brother and expressed concerns over the safety of party members. This alarming trend of violence within political gatherings points to a troubling rise in politically-motivated attacks, which not only undermine the democratic process but also pose significant risks to public safety. The ongoing investigations may provide insight into the perpetrators and resolve some of the uncertainties surrounding the political landscape in Ondo State.
