Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an investigation into the reported attacks in Egbedi town, where seven people were allegedly injured.
The Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, stated that two residents sustained machete wounds on Wednesday, while five others were shot on Thursday, allegedly by individuals from Ede.
Reacting to the incident, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, assured Egbedi residents of their safety. He disclosed that the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and the Special Adviser on Security Matters had been directed to probe the matter and restore peace.
“The governor is deeply concerned and has instructed urgent action to resolve the situation through inclusive conflict resolution. He also dismissed any claims of state government involvement, urging against politicizing the matter,” the statement read.
A viral video shared on social media showed armed men at the scene of the Thursday attack. The footage captured gunshots and references to Kazeem Oriade, a governor’s aide, allegedly present during the altercation.
Oriade, however, claimed he was ambushed by Egbedi residents while traveling through the town. He explained that he encountered a roadblock due to an accident and had to pass near the Elegbedi’s palace.
“Some youths carrying guns recorded us as we passed. My team pursued one of them but didn’t catch him. As we left, we were fired upon. My vehicle was hit, and some of my aides sustained gunshot wounds. We retaliated, and I managed to seize one of their weapons,” Oriade said.
The investigation continues.
