Tension As Suspected Thugs Attack Ikire Council Secretariat

Tension gripped Ikire, headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, on Monday following a reported attack on the council secretariat by suspected political thugs, with fears that some travellers may have been killed.

The incident reportedly occurred amid an attempt by suspected hoodlums to take control of the council secretariat, triggering a confrontation that sent residents, motorists and passers-by scrambling for safety.

Ikire, the hometown of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, was thrown into confusion as the suspected attackers allegedly mobilised towards the council headquarters.

Sources said the attackers were attempting to dislodge the council executives when the situation escalated into violence.

Travellers, drivers and other road users were reportedly caught up in the confrontation, with some allegedly shot in the process.

Several residents were also said to have abandoned their homes and businesses as gunshots reportedly rang out in parts of the town.

The extent of the casualties remained unclear as of press time, with reports that some travellers may have been killed and several others injured yet to be independently verified.

The development comes against the backdrop of an ongoing political dispute over control of local government structures in Osun State.

The APC had previously raised concerns over a possible takeover of the secretariat from what it described as the “reinstated” council executives.

The Osun State Government had also warned against actions capable of reigniting political tension in the aftermath of the 2026 governorship election.

Residents said the latest incident heightened fears of renewed violence in the community, with normal commercial activities reportedly disrupted as people sought safety.

The police confirmed the deployment of personnel to the area following the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation was being led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.

“Our men have been deployed to the scene, led by our Deputy Commissioner of Operations. That is all I can say for now,” Ojelabi said.

The police did not immediately provide details on casualties, arrests or the circumstances that led to the confrontation.

Security personnel were expected to maintain a presence around the council secretariat and other flashpoints in the area to prevent further escalation.

As of press time, the identities of those allegedly killed or injured had not been released, while the circumstances surrounding the reported attack remained under investigation.