…commissioner arrested in connection to the incident — Police

Tension reportedly gripped parts of Ilesa, Osun State, on Saturday following an alleged shooting incident during a campaign activity of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which a 12-year-old boy, Tobi Ilesanmi, was injured.

The incident, which occurred in the town during the party’s campaign, was said to have left the boy and some APC supporters injured, sparking protests and demands for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

According to eyewitness accounts, the boy was inside his mother’s shop when a stray bullet from gunshots fired in the area during the campaign procession hit him.

An eyewitness alleged that the gunshots were fired in the direction of some APC supporters, resulting in injuries to several people. 

“Several APC members were also injured during the incident,” the eyewitness claimed.

While circumstances that led to the reported shooting remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the identities of those responsible for the gunfire could not be independently established.

Following the incident, protests were reportedly staged in parts of Ilesa, with residents and other concerned persons calling for a thorough investigation.

However, Tribune Online could not independently verify the current condition of the 12-year-old victim as well as the exact number of people injuredz

The development comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with rival political parties stepping up their campaigns across communities.

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When contacted, the Osun State Police command spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the report, saying the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Mayowa Asejoorin, was arrested in connection with the incident.

“Immediately the incident was reported, our personnel moved to the scene, cordoned off the area before some exhibits were recovered which included expanded cartridges, Amotekun personnel caps.

“Also, Mr Adejoorin was arrested at the scene and has been taken to the command for questioning as part of the investigation process,” added.