A resident of Esa-Oke in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State has been shot dead, while another person sustained gunshot injuries in an attack that has heightened political tension ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The deceased was reportedly an alleged supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a nephew of Oluwole Oke, the Director-General of the APC Campaign Council and a member of the House of Representatives.

The second victim, who was also shot during the incident on Wednesday, was said to be in critical condition.

The Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the killing but declined to provide details on the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the APC Campaign Council, Oluremi Omowaye, alleged that members of rival political parties were responsible for the violence.

Omowaye claimed that about 40 APC members had allegedly been killed in different incidents, accusing the state government of failing to do enough to prevent further attacks.

He further alleged that the victims in Esa-Oke were targeted because they were wearing APC caps. According to him, three other APC members were also attacked in Atakumosa East Local Government Area.

However, the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, rejected the allegation that members of the Accord Party were behind the attacks.

Alimi described the claim as false and unsubstantiated, saying it was an attempt to blackmail the Accord Party.

The latest incident comes amid heightened political activities and growing tensions in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.