PDP crisis: Thugs unleash violence during pro-Wike congress in Oyo

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

Suspected political thugs, on Saturday, reportedly attacked members of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during local government congresses held across Oyo State.

The Bodija, Ibadan residence of a former deputy governor of the state Hazeem Gbolarumi, was also reportedly attacked with properties destroyed.

The congresses, organised by the Wike-backed faction of the party, were scheduled to take place simultaneously in the 33 local government areas of the state.

However, the exercise was reportedly disrupted in several locations, as hoodlums suspected to be political thugs attacked party members while the congresses were ongoing.

Sources within the party disclosed that about 10 people sustained injuries during the attacks, while several vehicles were vandalised by the assailants.

Confirming the incident, the chairman of the faction loyal to Wike in the state, Abdulrahman Akinoso, said the attacks occurred in multiple local government areas.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Akinoso said several members were assaulted and properties damaged during the disruptions.

According to him, the affected areas include Ibadan North, Ogbomoso North, Ibarapa Central and Akinyele local government areas.

“Our local government congresses were attacked across Oyo State, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Igboora in Ibarapa Central and Akinyele,” he said.

He added that three vehicles were vandalised at Gbolarumi’s house on Are Avenue in Bodija, Ibadan North, while about 10 people were attacked across the state.