Two APC members shot dead in Ilesa as political violence escalates

Fresh political violence has hit Ilesa, Osun State, with two All Progressives Congress (APC) members reportedly killed and several others wounded in an attack on Tuesday morning. According to witnesses, suspected thugs invaded the Igbogi area at about 7:30 am, just as APC supporters were gathering for their final campaign rally, and opened fire, sending everyone fleeing for cover.

A resident named Sola described the chaos, saying, "We were preparing for our final rally today. Our leaders asked us to converge at Igbogi by 8 am. But at about 7:30 am, the thugs invaded and started shooting sporadically." The APC campaign council's media head, Oluremi Omowaiye, confirmed four supporters were shot, with two dead and two in critical condition. He also revealed that the APC Woman Leader in Ilesa was among the wounded and has been admitted to Wesley Guild Hospital.

This latest attack comes amid reports that 12 APC members have been killed in Ilesa within 24 hours, following a weekend rally and Tuesday's gathering. The violence has sparked outrage, and a viral video allegedly shows Senator Francis Fadahunsi telling supporters, "We must not see any Accord Party member in Ijesa land. When you see them, kill them." Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for his arrest, though Fadahunsi's office insists he meant "kill Accord with your votes," not physical violence. The police, through DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, say investigations are ongoing. How many more lives must we lose before we remember that elections are about ballots, not bullets?