The All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Osun State has condemned the recent attack on Egbedi town in Egbedore Local Government area, alleging that the violence was orchestrated by government-backed elements.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the opposition party accused a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke,  of leading the assault that left several residents injured.

According to the APC, “Armed men stormed Egbedi last Thursday, wielding guns, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons in an attack linked to a land and chieftaincy dispute. The assailants, allegedly led by Oriade Kazeem, inflicted injuries on innocent residents.”

The party expressed outrage over the reported involvement of a government official in the incident, describing it as a dangerous trend. “It is worrisome that an aide to the governor is allegedly engaging in violent attacks on citizens rather than ensuring peace and security,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the APC accused Governor Adeleke’s administration of promoting a culture of impunity, questioning the legality of Oriade Kazeem’s alleged use of firearms.

The opposition party maintained that the Egbedi attack validated its repeated warnings about rising insecurity under the current government, dismissing the state’s promise to investigate the matter as mere lip service.

“No previous investigations under this administration have yielded any tangible outcome. This is just another ploy to douse public outrage,” the party said.

The APC urged Governor Adeleke to take decisive steps to protect lives and property, stressing that his primary duty was to ensure the security of all citizens.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has ordered an immediate investigation into the violent clashes in Egbedi. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement on Saturday, reassured residents of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Reacting to the crisis, the traditional ruler of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, has called on the Federal Government for urgent intervention, citing threats to the safety of his people.

Oba Azeez lamented that several residents, including Chief Ajiroba Yisa Abayomi and Prince Abioye, were attacked, with six others hospitalised due to injuries sustained in the violence.

“The lives and property of my subjects are at risk. We need urgent assistance to prevent further violence,” the monarch pleaded.