Ondo APC Congress: Journalists, APC leaders injured

Political thugs suspected to be loyal to the Ondo state government on Saturday reportedly stormed the BTO Hall, Akure, venue of the state congress of a faction of the All Progressives Congress in the state, disrupting the exercise and inflicting injuries on participants.

Although the attack was targeted at the factional members of the party, journalists were attacked by the thugs who inflicted varying degrees of injuries on them. Sunkanmi Elujoba of Adaba FM, Damisi Ojo of The Nation, Bamigbola Gbolagunte of The Sun, Olumide Abudu of Radio Nigeria Positive FM, James Sowole, of Thisday and the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state were among those injured.

A member of the House of Representatives, representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency, Bamidele Baderinwa, Commissioner for Regional Integration in Osun State, Bola Ilori; Idowu Otetubi and Tolu Babaleye; Leye Akinola, were also not spared.

The thugs chased the party members out of the venue using machetes, clubs and other dangerous weapons. They also vented their violence on properties and vehicles within the vicinity. The presence of men of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps did not deter the thugs from carrying out the acts.

Those injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, the Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu-led APC held its state congress at the International Event Centre, Akure, where Ade Adetimehin was picked as the new chairman of the party.

Mr Adetimehin had been in acting capacity since last year after Isaac Kekemeke was suspended from office. He was unopposed and was elected through a voice vote. When reporters reached the police public relations officer for Ondo State command, Femi Joseph, he said he was not aware of the event, but was only aware of the congress that held at the International Event Centre.