The ongoing ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State descended into violence on Wednesday, leaving two people dead and several others injured in Idanre Local Government Area.

The crisis erupted barely 24 hours after suspected political thugs attacked the APC State Secretariat in Akure, disrupting a stakeholders’ meeting presided over by the state chairman, Ade Adetimehin. During Tuesday’s attack, Adetimehin and other party leaders were assaulted, with at least 15 elders reportedly injured.

Brother of APC Chairman Shot, Macheted

Wednesday’s violence reportedly forced the cancellation of the congress in some wards in Idanre as hoodlums attacked party members and set vehicles ablaze. One of the victims was the brother of the APC chairman, Raphael Adetimehin, who was shot and hacked with a machete.

Confirming the incident, Ade Adetimehin said the attackers mistook his brother for him due to their resemblance.

“After shooting and stabbing him, they left him thinking he was dead. I don’t know why we are taking politics to this extent,” he lamented.

Police Confirm Two Deaths, Deploy Tactical Teams

The Ondo State Police Command, through its spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that two people were killed while three others sustained injuries. Security operatives, led by the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant, were deployed to restore order.

Police said investigations are ongoing and additional tactical teams have been stationed in Idanre to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

APC Elders Demand Action

The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum condemned the attacks, describing them as a violation of democratic principles and party discipline. The group urged President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, to ensure accountability.

They stressed that violence, intimidation, and political thuggery have no place in a democratic society, warning that silence could embolden further chaos within the party.