Father Recounts How Son Was Killed During Ilobu Violence

The father of a teenager allegedly killed during a violent incident in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, has narrated how his son was shot dead while trying to rescue his mother from danger.

Mr Olapade Olugbemiga recounted the incident on Monday during a press conference addressed by the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, in Osogbo.

Olugbemiga said his son, Ezekiel, was struck by a bullet after returning to assist his mother, who had fallen while fleeing the scene of the attack.

According to him, his wife, a palm wine seller near the Ilobu Local Government Secretariat, was attending to customers when armed men allegedly arrived in a vehicle bearing the insignia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and began shooting into the air.

“My wife sells palm wine around the local government secretariat. While customers were relaxing, some people arrived in an APC-marked vehicle and started shooting sporadically, causing panic as people ran for safety,” he said.

The bereaved father explained that he initially assisted another victim who had sustained gunshot injuries and took him to the palace, where rescue efforts were ongoing.

He said he later received a call from his wife informing him that their son was missing.

“I rushed back and started searching for him. Later, I found him lying lifeless by the roadside.

“I was told that his mother had fallen while running, and Ezekiel went back to help her. In the process, he was hit by a bullet in the head and shoulder,” he said.

PDP Campaign Council Demands Justice

Speaking at the briefing, Oyewumi condemned the killing and alleged that no decisive action had been taken against those responsible despite claims that the suspected leader of the group involved had been identified.

“The Imole Campaign Council unequivocally condemns this barbaric act. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Olapade family and all peace-loving people of Osun State who continue to endure the consequences of politically motivated violence,” he said.

The senator called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the arrest and prosecution of all those connected with the incident.

Oyewumi also expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of security issues in the state, citing repeated cases of political violence.

APC Condemns Killing

Reacting, the APC, through its Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation.

Olabisi denied allegations linking supporters of the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji, to the incident.

“We appeal to individuals using political cover to perpetrate violence against innocent citizens to desist from such acts.

“Our governorship candidate does not believe in violence and has never sponsored violence against any individual or group. No political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tanfeani, who was named as the alleged leader of the group involved in the attack, denied any role in the incident.

He maintained that he was not in Ilobu when the violence occurred and alleged that attempts were being made to implicate him for political reasons.

“I am an Executive Assistant to the Council Chairman. I could not have been involved in the killing.

“I heard that some political thugs disrupted peace around the council secretariat and engaged in sporadic shooting. Governor Ademola Adeleke and members of the Accord Party (A) are looking for ways to implicate me,” he alleged.