By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

Tension gripped parts of Osogbo on Wednesday as suspected hoodlums reportedly exchanged gunfire with security personnel attached to the convoy of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

The incident occurred shortly after Governor Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and proceeded to the palace to celebrate his electoral victory with the traditional ruler.

According to sources within the palace vicinity, the suspected hoodlums arrived in an unregistered Toyota Sienna vehicle and allegedly positioned themselves around the area before the governor’s arrival. Witnesses said some members of the group were engaged in a heated argument moments before gunshots rang out.

The exact cause of the altercation and the intended target of the attack remain unclear.

A shop owner located near the palace, identified as Laide Misture, said residents were startled by the sound of gunfire shortly after the governor and his entourage entered the palace premises.

“The men were shooting from outside the main gate, while the governor’s security operatives responded from within the palace. The exchange of gunfire lasted for about three minutes before the suspects fled the scene in their vehicle,” the witness said.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, acknowledged that gunshots were fired by suspected hoodlums in the area.

“It is true that gunshots were heard as we were leaving the palace, and the governor’s security personnel moved to confront those involved. However, we do not yet know the circumstances that led to the incident,” Alimi stated.

He added that preliminary information suggested there had been an altercation among certain groups outside the palace before the shooting erupted, noting that authorities were still investigating the identities of those involved and the motive behind the disturbance.

No casualties were reported as of the time of filing this report, while security agencies have commenced efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.