Tension in Osun as gunmen invade Local Government Secretariats amid APC, PDP power struggle

Osun State is currently on edge as hooded gunmen stormed various local government council secretariats following a fierce battle for control between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The crisis stems from the ongoing dispute over the leadership of local councils. While the APC argues that last week’s Court of Appeal ruling reinstated the previously sacked elected chairmen and councillors, the Osun State Government insists that the election was nullified by an earlier ruling from the Federal High Court in Osogbo.

In the early hours of Monday, APC members attempted to assume control of several council secretariats across the state but were met with resistance from armed hoodlums. At Boluwaduro Local Government, their takeover attempt was thwarted by unknown gunmen, while at Olorunda Local Government, security operatives intervened to prevent both APC and PDP members from entering the premises. A traveller along the Ikire-Ibadan expressway, Tunde Shamsudeen, recounted the chaos at Irewole Local Government in Ikire, where hooded gunmen fired sporadically into the air, causing panic among motorists. Many commuters were forced to take alternative routes at Ikoyi to avoid being caught in a potential crossfire.

Despite the tense situation, reports indicate that APC members successfully gained access to some local government offices. However, civil servants were absent from work, adhering to the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which had earlier declared a statewide strike. The unfolding crisis underscores the deep-seated political rivalry in Osun State, as both parties continue to lay claim to local government control. Security agencies are expected to step up efforts to prevent further violence as the situation develops. More updates to follow.