By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

At least three persons sustained injuries during a shooting incident that disrupted a political rally in Ilesa, Osun State, on Saturday, sparking a war of words between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party. One of the victims was identified as 14-year-old Tobi Ilesanmi, who was reportedly hit by a stray bullet near the Isokun area of the town.

The incident occurred during a street rally organized by the APC in Ilesa West Local Government Area. The situation took a political dimension following the arrest of the Osun State Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Adejoorin, who was reportedly intercepted by police officers while passing through the area shortly after the shooting.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said three persons were injured and taken to different hospitals for treatment. He alleged that operatives of the Amotekun Corps, who arrived in a vehicle bearing an Osun State Government registration number, fired shots at the rally before fleeing the scene.

Ojelabi said police tactical teams responding to a distress call intercepted a vehicle carrying an Amotekun operative and other occupants, including Adejoorin. He added that the suspects were taken to the state police headquarters in Osogbo for questioning, while investigators recovered four expended cartridges and a pump-action gun linked to the incident.

Speaking on behalf of the APC campaign team in Ilesa West, Folarin Fafowora alleged that the rally was nearing its conclusion when gunshots suddenly rang out, causing panic among participants. He claimed that armed individuals emerged from a vehicle and began shooting, forcing party supporters to flee for safety.

However, the Accord Party rejected the allegations, insisting that APC members were responsible for the violence. The spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged that APC supporters fired shots during the rally and vandalized property belonging to Accord Party members, including the party’s secretariat. Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.