Violence broke out at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Akure on Tuesday after the party’s State Caretaker Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, was allegedly attacked and forced out of a stakeholders’ meeting by suspected thugs, Arisenews says.
securitynewsalert.com heard that eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the venue armed with sticks, machetes and other weapons, causing panic among party members who fled for safety. The meeting, convened ahead of the party congress and attended by a congress and appeal committee from the national secretariat, was abruptly cancelled.
Adetimehin accused members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, led by state chairman Ademilua Odudu, of orchestrating the attack, alleging they acted on the orders of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. He claimed he was beaten and his phone stolen, adding that the incident had been reported to the police.
In a statement, the party described the violence as an isolated internal misunderstanding caused by “unscrupulous elements” and dismissed suggestions linking it to the forthcoming congress. The party also commended the governor for directing security operatives to restore order.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, said officers responded to a distress call and restored calm. He disclosed that one injured person was hospitalised, while tactical teams had been deployed to secure the area as investigations continue.
The party assured members of its commitment to internal democracy and a peaceful congress process. #securitynewsalert.com/
