Rising insecurity in Ondo State took a tragic turn as gunmen stormed the residence of a prominent socialite and grassroots politician, Olamiposi Awodunmila, popularly known as Posi Emmanuel.

While Awodunmila narrowly escaped what appeared to be an assassination attempt, her father, Awodunmila Seda Olorunfunmi, was not as fortunate.

He was shot dead during the attack, which occurred on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

According to reports, armed assailants invaded the residence of Mr. Awodunmila, located at No. 5 Ajabale Street, Idepe, Okitipupa, searching for his daughter. Witnesses recounted the attackers shouting in the local dialect, “Posi nko, so funwa, abi kapa e,” which translates to “Where is Posi? Tell us now, or we will kill you.”

A source close to the family, who requested anonymity, stated that Mr. Awodunmila was shot in cold blood after he was unable to provide information about his daughter, who had fled the scene to escape the attackers to save her life.

A neighbour, speaking off the record, described the harrowing scene: “The incident was unfortunate. The assailants arrived in an unregistered vehicle and began shooting sporadically into the air. Everyone ran for safety; I rushed inside my home with my children but could hear their loud exchanges with Posi’s father until they shot him dead.”

While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, it is believed to be linked to Posi Emmanuel’s political activities, particularly her involvement in the recent gubernatorial campaign in the state. “We cannot explain what happened, but it may not be unconnected with the governorship campaign,” he said.

Given Posi’s generosity as a kind-hearted politician, no one could have anticipated that anyone would want her dead,” another neighbour who pleaded anonymity commented.

Fortunately, the wife and children of the deceased managed to escape unharmed. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of Posi Emmanuel, who has been a dedicated public servant for over a decade, holding various positions of trust, including a supervisor in the Okitipupa Local Government Area. At one point, she was also a leading aspirant for the House of Assembly in Ondo State Constituency II of Okitipupa Local Government.

In a related incident a palm oil processing factory owned by Posi Emmanuel was set ablaze by the attackers, expressing their frustration at not being able to locate their intended target.

The Ondo State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the incident, which has left the community of Okitipupa in palpable fear and tension.

As this tragic situation unfolds, the public awaits further updates on the investigation and the safety of Posi Emmanuel and her family.