OA
A stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State turned violent on Tuesday when suspected thugs invaded the party secretariat in Akure, leaving several people injured and forcing an abrupt end to the gathering.
The meeting, convened in preparation for the forthcoming ward congresses, was interrupted less than 24 hours before the nationwide exercise was due to begin. Witnesses said attackers armed with dangerous weapons stormed the venue shouting threats and chasing participants in all directions.
The Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, was reportedly beaten and dragged to the ground by the assailants. He said his mobile phones were seized and damaged during the attack. Several other party officials present — including a commissioner and local party leaders — were also wounded and taken to hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitnesses and some party leaders alleged that members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), led by their state chairman, were among those who carried out the assault, claiming the group objected to the conduct of the meeting. Victims said the attackers insisted the governor “owned the party” and demanded an end to the congress preparations.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, denied any involvement by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, calling allegations linking the government to the chaos “unfounded, false and misleading.”
The state police command said it received a distress call and quickly deployed operatives to restore order around the secretariat. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The development underscores rising tensions within the ruling party in Ondo State as internal processes ahead of congresses unfold.
Tags
How do you feel about this article?
Share this story
OA
Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer
Admin
Dedicated to bringing you the latest news and stories from Glow Media.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment on this article!
