The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Congress in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Wednesday, erupted in a bloody clash as supporters of two prominent APC chieftains engaged in a battle of supremacy.
BusinessDay gathered that the election in most of the wards in the local government was characterised by violence and shooting by suspected political thugs.
It was gathered that the crisis started when the two political leaders insisted in electing their loyalists to gain control of wards executives.
However, weapons were freely used by party supporters leaving many with injuries while some of the victims sustained life-threatening wounds.
Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the Ondo Police Command, who confirmed the incident said operatives have been deployed to the area.
Jimoh, in a statement made available to journalists on the incident, said, “The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it received a distress call from DPO Idanre regarding violent acts perpetrated by a group of individuals within the State on 18th February, 2026, at about 1105hrs. The report necessitated a prompt operational response from officers of the Command.
“In swift reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, immediately deployed tactical teams to reinforce the existing security apparatus on the ground.
“Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, alongside the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CC Oluyemi Ibiloye, personally led a combined team of security operatives to the scene. Their timely intervention ensured the restoration of peace and order in the affected area.
“During the incident, five persons yet to be identified were reportedly attacked, and a vehicle was set ablaze. Three victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention, while two others were confirmed dead at the hospital. The Commissioner of Police visited the injured victims to assess their condition and assured them of the Command’s support.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.
“To forestall any further breakdown of law and order, the CP has ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to secure the area and its environs to protect lives and property.
“The Command urges the good people of Ondo State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear or panic, as adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure sustained peace and stability across the State.”
Recall that the state Chairman of APC, Ade Adetimehin, who hails from Idanre Local Government, was on Tuesday attacked by suspected political thugs at the party’s secretariat in Akure during a stakeholders meeting.
