APC, Accord Clash Over Owode-Ede Violence

The Osun State chapter of the APC has called on security agencies, particularly the police, to take urgent steps to address rising tensions in Owode-Ede. The party alleged that its members and supporters have been subjected to attacks, intimidation and harassment by individuals it claimed were linked to the Accord Party.

According to the APC, several incidents in the community involved assaults on residents and damage to vehicles belonging to its members. The party also claimed that some supporters were prevented from moving freely through the area and accused political thugs of targeting individuals identified with the APC.

The opposition party urged the police to classify Owode-Ede as a political flashpoint and increase security presence to prevent further violence. It maintained that residents and political supporters should be able to move freely without fear of attacks or intimidation.

However, the Accord Party dismissed the allegations and accused the APC of attempting to shift blame before security agencies conclude their investigations. The party said the claims were politically motivated and insisted that law enforcement authorities should be allowed to establish the facts surrounding the incidents.

Accord further alleged that videos circulating online showed vehicles carrying the colours and symbols associated with the APC. The party claimed there were reports linking some individuals involved in the disturbances to opposition political figures.

The party called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the incidents. It also urged authorities to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible, regardless of political affiliation.

The disagreement followed earlier accusations by Accord that armed individuals travelling in vehicles branded with APC campaign materials attacked residents and party supporters in Owode-Ede, Aregbe, Olaiya and other parts of Osun State. The APC rejected the allegation and instead demanded the arrest of those it described as political thugs linked to Accord.

With the Osun governorship election drawing closer, stakeholders have continued to urge political parties and their supporters to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of creating tension in the state. They also called on politicians to refrain from inflammatory statements and allow security agencies to determine responsibility for the disturbances through proper investigations.