APC Ward Congress Turns Deadly in Ondo: Two Killed, Three Injured in Political Violence
Two individuals were fatally shot, and three others sustained injuries when violence erupted during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in the Idanre local government area of Ondo State. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, has heightened political tensions in the region.
Chaos Erupts as Armed Thugs Invade Congress
According to reports, armed men suspected to be political thugs invaded the town while the congress was ongoing. They moved to the Commercial Road and Onibata area, where they began shooting sporadically into the air. This created widespread panic, causing residents and party members to scramble for safety. During the shooting, two persons were reportedly hit by bullets.
A source within the community provided harrowing details, explaining that the immediate younger brother of the state APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, identified as Raphael, was attacked by the hoodlums. Raphael was on his way to Idanre to participate in the ward congress when he encountered the political thugs. Mistaking him for the APC Chairman, they launched a violent assault.
"He was shot severally, and when they noticed that the bullets were not penetrating his body, they dragged him down from his vehicle and matcheted him," the source recounted. "They left him in his pool of blood, set his vehicle on fire, and we immediately rushed him to the hospital."
APC Chairman Condemns Attack Amid Growing Tensions
Confirming the attack, APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin, who was reportedly assaulted at the party secretariat the previous day, stated that his brother was injured by the political thugs while en route to Idanre. He strongly condemned the violence, lamenting the escalating political tension in the state.
Adetimehin emphasized that politics should not be a life-or-death affair and called on security agencies to restore and maintain law and order in the community. His remarks underscore the urgent need for peaceful political engagement in Ondo State.
Police Response and Investigation Underway
In response to the violent outbreak, police personnel were swiftly deployed to the area to douse tensions and restore order. The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, led a team of officers to assess the situation. He reported that the command has successfully restored order in the town and has initiated an investigation into the attack.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Jimoh Abayomi, issued a statement confirming the casualties. "During the incident, five persons were reportedly attacked, and a vehicle was set ablaze," he said. "Three victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment, while two others were confirmed dead at the hospital."
Abayomi detailed that a distress call was received from the Divisional Police Officer in Idanre at approximately 11:05 am, reporting violent acts by a group of individuals. This prompted an immediate operational response, with tactical teams deployed to reinforce security. Commissioner Lawal personally led a combined team of security operatives, including the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oluyemi Ibiloye, to the scene.
The timely intervention of the police helped restore peace and order in the affected area. Commissioner Lawal visited the injured victims, assuring them of the Command's support. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and apprehend those responsible.
Enhanced Security Measures Implemented
To prevent further breakdown of law and order, additional tactical teams have been deployed to secure the area and its environs. The police have urged residents of Ondo State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, assuring that adequate security measures are in place to maintain peace and stability across the state.
This violent episode highlights the critical need for enhanced security during political events and underscores the importance of fostering a peaceful political environment in Nigeria.
