At least two people have died and three others injured after violence erupted at the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday, police said.
The incident happened amid deepening tensions within the ruling party ahead of its internal ward, local government and state executive elections.
Police said operatives were called to the area after reports of chaos and gunfire.
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it received a distress call … regarding violent acts perpetrated by a group of individuals … at about 11:05hrs,” police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh said in a statement.
“Five persons were reportedly attacked … three victims sustained varying degrees of injury … while two others were confirmed dead at the hospital.”
Security forces, including tactical teams led by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, responded quickly to restore order and prevent further breakdown of law and order, Jimoh added.
Eyewitnesses said the violence began when political thugs allegedly loyal to rival party leaders clashed at the congress venue, firing shots into the air and setting a vehicle ablaze during the chaos.
Earlier on Tuesday, suspected thugs also disrupted an APC stakeholders’ meeting at the party secretariat in Akure, injuring some members and forcing the interruption of proceedings.
The state party leadership has not commented publicly about the Wednesday violence, but the crisis highlights growing internal divisions within the APC in Ondo State.
Police have increased security in the area and appealed to residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.
