A man was shot dead in the early hours of Saturday in Ikire, Osun State, sparking a blame game between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord party. Abiodun Ojelabi, spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, confirmed the fatality but gave no further details on the circumstances or suspects. Accord identified the victim as Eluyera Kolade, son of its women leader in Ikire, and alleged he was killed by suspected APC thugs. The party said it had previously submitted complaints, security reports, and intelligence alerts to the Ikire Police Division and the Area Commander's office over rising violence in the area. Accord called for a transparent investigation by the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services, demanding prosecution of those responsible. The APC rejected the allegations, with its campaign spokesman, Kola Olabisi, urging Accord to stop politicising the killing. Olabisi expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased but denied any involvement by APC members. No arrests have been announced, and no group has claimed responsibility for the shooting. The police have not released information on whether suspects are being pursued or if forensic investigations are underway. The incident occurred amid heightened political tensions in Osun State ahead of upcoming elections. Both parties remain at odds over the narrative surrounding the killing.
Accord blames APC thugs for the killing of Eluyera Kolade, yet offers no evidence beyond political accusation, while APC dismisses the claim without addressing prior security alerts filed in Ikire. The police confirmation of the death stands in contrast to the silence on investigation progress or suspect identification. If intelligence reports were filed before the shooting, the failure to prevent it raises questions about security responsiveness. Political finger-pointing cannot substitute for forensic clarity or actionable accountability.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
