By Our Correspondent

The Hazeem Gbolarumi residence in Ibadan came under attack on Saturday as suspected political thugs invaded the property following tensions surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party state congress in Oyo State.

The Nigeria Police Force has since begun an investigation into the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed the former deputy governor’s private residence in the Asi area of Ibadan North Local Government Area, destroying vehicles and other valuable property estimated to be worth millions of naira.

The violence allegedly erupted shortly after the conclusion of the PDP congress, which had drawn rival factions within the party.

Speaking after the attack, Gbolarumi, a prominent PDP chieftain, alleged that the incident was politically motivated.

According to him, the attackers arrived in multiple buses and were armed with dangerous weapons, including guns and cutlasses.

He claimed that the group targeted him and his supporters shortly after they left the congress venue.

Gbolarumi further alleged that the attack was linked to the camp of Seyi Makinde, claiming that video recordings captured some of the suspected attackers.

He said several party members were injured in separate clashes linked to the congress across different parts of the state, including Igbo-Ora and Ibarapa.

However, the Oyo PDP leadership strongly denied the allegations.

The party’s Public Relations Officer, Michael Ogunsina, dismissed claims that the party or its leadership had any involvement in the attack.

Ogunsina suggested that the violence may have been triggered by a disagreement between Gbolarumi and individuals allegedly hired to participate in what he described as a “purported fake congress.”

He claimed the dispute may have escalated after the individuals were not paid the amount they expected.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that security operatives had launched a formal investigation into the incident.

He noted that while reports indicated the former deputy governor’s house was attacked, authorities were still gathering details to determine the full circumstances.

The police assured the public that those responsible for the violence and destruction of property would be identified and brought to justice as investigations continue.