narrowly Escapes Hoodlum Attack as Saturday’s Violence Buried the Hope of a Single PDP in Oyo
Violence and pandemonium gripped several parts of Oyo State on Saturday as coordinated attacks by suspected political thugs disrupted the local government congresses held by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The crisis, rooted in a bitter leadership struggle between the Wike aligned group and the faction supporting Governor Seyi Makinde, escalated into physical confrontation across multiple council areas. Reports indicate that at least 10 people sustained various degrees of injury, while numerous vehicles and properties were vandalized.
The attacks were most severe in the following areas:
Ibadan North: The residence of former Deputy Governor, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, located in the Bodija area, was stormed by hoodlums. Witnesses reported that three vehicles parked within the premises were destroyed.
Ogbomoso North/South: Armed thugs reportedly invaded congress venues, forcing participants to flee for safety.
Ibarapa Central & Akinyele: Similar disruptions were recorded, with eyewitnesses describing the attackers as “well-coordielection”.
Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, Chairman of the Wike-led faction in Oyo, confirmed the incidents during a telephone interview. “Our members were attacked across the state. They are moving from house to house to unleash terror,” he stated, calling on security agencies to intervene.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command, through spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the report of the attack on the former Deputy Governor’s residence. While describing the situation as an “internal political affair,” the Command assured that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators.
The violence further deepens the rift within the PDP as both factions battle for legal legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to reporters shortly after his Bodija residence was stormed by suspected hoodlums, a visibly distraught Gbolarumi described the incident as a “calculated attempt to silence the opposition within the party.”
”It is clear where this is coming from,” Gbolarumi stated. “This is the handiwork of Governor Seyi Makinde and his foot soldiers. They are desperate to impose their will on the party and are willing to use violence to crush anyone who stands for the true democratic process.”