The Osun State Police Command has arrested the state Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Asejoorin, following a shooting incident at an All Progressives Congress, APC, rally in Ilesa, Osun State, on Saturday.
The incident reportedly occurred during the APC campaign activity in the Ilesa metropolis after a confrontation involving some supporters of the party and members of the Accord political party. Gunshots were heard during the clash, leaving at least four people injured.
The victims were said to have suffered injuries of different levels and were taken to a hospital for medical attention. No death had been reported as of the time of filing the report.
One of those injured was identified as 14-year-old Ilesanmi, who was reportedly caught by a stray bullet while he was at his mother’s shop. The bullet hit him in the thigh.
An eyewitness, Kola Adeoti, said the incident happened after some Accord chieftains were confronted during the rally.
He alleged that security personnel attached to the Accord members fired at APC supporters, leading to panic and protests in parts of Ilesa.
Following the incident, police officers were deployed to the area and the scene was secured. Investigators also recovered items believed to be connected to the shooting, including spent cartridges and caps belonging to personnel of the Amotekun security outfit.
The state police command confirmed that the commissioner had been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
According to the command, his arrest was part of efforts to establish what happened and determine the people responsible for the violence.
Police personnel reportedly moved to the scene shortly after receiving information about the shooting.
The area was cordoned off while officers gathered evidence and began preliminary investigations.
The arrest of the commissioner came amid growing concern over the use of firearms during political activities in the state.
Authorities are expected to question those arrested and examine the evidence recovered from the scene.
The injured victims remain under medical care as the police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the events that led to the confrontation between the political groups.
