By Achile Danjuma
Gunmen suspected to be political thugs attacked local government congress venues of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State on Saturday, leaving multiple party members injured and property destroyed in coordinated violence that has escalated tensions within the party.
The attacks specifically targeted congresses organised by the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, with thugs storming multiple locations across the state, according to party officials and witnesses.
In a separate but related incident, suspected political thugs also invaded the residence of former deputy governor Hazeem Gbolarumi in Ibadan, vandalising property within the compound. Sources close to the veteran politician said he and his aides narrowly escaped harm.
Chairman of the Wike-aligned PDP faction in Oyo State, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed that attacks occurred in Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Akinyele and Igboora in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.
“At least ten people sustained injuries during the violence, while several vehicles were damaged,” Akinoso said in a telephone interview.
He disclosed that three vehicles were vandalised at Gbolarumi House on Are Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan, where members of his faction had gathered for the exercise.
The violence represents the latest escalation in the ongoing struggle for control of the party’s structure in Oyo State, as rival factions continue to vie for dominance ahead of future electoral contests.