Detectives of the Osun State Police Command have launched an intensive investigation and manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the shooting of a prominent political figure in Osogbo, an incident that has heightened security concerns ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The victim, Hon. Ashimiyu Ajibola, Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government area, narrowly escaped death after he was attacked by suspected assassins late on Wednesday night in the MDS area of Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
Police authorities disclosed that a special team of tactical operatives and experienced investigators had been constituted to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to preliminary findings, the incident occurred at about 11:50 p.m. on June 3, 2026, when two armed men riding a motorcycle reportedly trailed the politician before opening fire on him and fleeing the scene immediately afterwards.
The sound of gunshots reportedly threw residents of the area into panic as neighbours and passers-by scampered for safety. The incident was promptly reported to security agencies, leading to the swift deployment of police operatives to the scene.
Upon receiving the distress call, tactical and conventional police teams moved to the area and evacuated the victim to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
Police sources confirmed that Ajibola survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Medical personnel attending to him reportedly described his condition as stable and expressed optimism about his recovery.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command had commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, while operational teams had been directed to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
According to the police spokesperson, detectives are pursuing several leads and examining evidence recovered from the crime scene as part of efforts to establish the identities of those behind the attack.
“The command has commenced an aggressive manhunt for the suspects. Exhibits recovered from the scene are currently undergoing forensic examination to aid ongoing investigations and ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a criminal act that would not be tolerated under any circumstance.
The police commissioner subsequently ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter and directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource towards uncovering the motive behind the attack and identifying the perpetrators.
He assured residents that the command remained committed to maintaining peace and security across the state and would leave no stone unturned until everyone connected to the incident was brought to justice.
“The Osun State Police Command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation. We are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of this act are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist investigators.
Residents with credible information regarding the whereabouts of the attackers were urged to report to the nearest police station or contact security authorities through available emergency channels.
The attack has generated widespread concern among political stakeholders, community leaders and residents of Osogbo, many of whom have called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Political observers noted that the shooting occurred at a period of heightened political activities in Osun State, prompting renewed calls for increased vigilance and adequate security for political actors across party lines.
Several residents who spoke on the development expressed shock over the incident, describing it as a disturbing reminder of the need to strengthen security measures and prevent political violence in the state.
As investigations continue, security presence has been reinforced in strategic locations across Osogbo, while police operatives intensify surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations aimed at tracking down the gunmen.
The latest attack has once again underscored growing concerns over security and the need for sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public in combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of residents across Osun State.
More details here...
