By Jelili Gbadamosi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has raised concerns over alleged political violence in the state following the killing of one of its members, Ridwan Adeyemo, in Ibadan.
The party called on security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing, as well as investigate allegations that the attack may have been politically motivated.
Adeyemo, a commercial motorcyclist and APC member in Ward 06, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, was reportedly attacked by armed men around Ita-Barika in the Agbokojo area of Ibadan on Friday.
According to the APC, the deceased sustained multiple machete wounds during the attack and later died.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family on Saturday, APC State Secretary, Fatai Adesina, said the incident was a reminder of the growing concerns over political thuggery and threats against opposition members in the state.
Adesina alleged that eyewitnesses claimed the attackers questioned Adeyemo over his decision to support the APC instead of the APM before attacking him.
He, however, said the party would not release information in its possession concerning the suspects or the alleged motive behind the killing at this stage, in order not to jeopardise ongoing police investigations.
The APC secretary urged the security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish whether political affiliations played any role in the killing.
He said the party had previously raised concerns about the activities of suspected political thugs allegedly threatening opposition members in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.
Adesina described Adeyemo as a peaceful and responsible member of the community, adding that his death was particularly painful because he left behind an elderly mother and a pregnant wife.
The party also called for the arrest and prosecution of anyone found to have participated in or sponsored the attack.
It pledged to cooperate with the police and other security agencies during the investigation while urging political actors to promote peaceful activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC said it would also provide support for Adeyemo’s family and ensure that the circumstances surrounding his death receive the necessary attention.
