Police Launch Investigation as Security Operatives Move to Prevent Further Violence

Tension reportedly erupted in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, after supporters of Accord Party governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, were allegedly attacked during a peaceful procession welcoming him back from the United Kingdom.

The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00 p.m. at Molete Under Bridge in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, where hundreds of supporters had gathered for a procession from the Toll Gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the headquarters of Agidigbo FM, the radio station associated with Hamzat.

According to reports from the scene, the procession was disrupted when suspected hoodlums allegedly attacked the supporters while they were displaying campaign materials and pasting posters in the area.

SEVERAL INJURED, VEHICLES VANDALISED

Eyewitness accounts alleged that the attackers pelted supporters with stones and bottles and brandished cutlasses, creating panic among participants, traders and other residents in the vicinity.

Several supporters were reportedly injured, while some vehicles were said to have been vandalised during the disturbance. A woman was also reportedly injured and taken to a hospital for medical attention.

The incident allegedly forced traders and passers-by to flee for safety as confusion spread around the Molete Under Bridge area.

Security personnel attached to Operation Burst were reportedly deployed to the scene to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating further.

Hamzat and security operatives were also said to have appealed to the aggrieved supporters to remain calm and avoid any retaliatory action.

POLICE CONFIRM INCIDENT, INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

The Oyo State Police Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, acknowledged the incident.

According to the police spokesperson, “I am aware of the attacks. The loyalists of Hamzat were ambushed during a peaceful procession at Molete.”

The police are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities of those involved and the motive behind the alleged attack.

The ongoing investigation is expected to establish the facts and determine whether any individuals or groups should be held accountable.

OYO APC CONDEMNS ATTACK, CALLS FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATION

Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olawale Sadare, condemned the reported attack and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Sadare alleged that members of the Park Management System (PMS) were suspected of being involved in the attack. However, this allegation has not been independently established, and the police investigation remains ongoing.

He also raised concerns over what he described as an increasingly hostile political atmosphere in the state, alleging that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde had created conditions that could encourage political intimidation.

The APC spokesperson further alleged that members of the PMS had been directed to compel commercial drivers to display campaign materials associated with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Sadare reportedly linked the latest incident to previous attacks on APC members at three different locations during the preceding week, as well as alleged cases of billboard vandalism.

These claims remain allegations and would require independent verification. No conclusion should be drawn regarding the responsibility of any individual, organisation or political party without credible evidence.

CALL FOR PEACEFUL POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

The reported attack has renewed concerns about the safety of political supporters and the need to protect democratic participation in Oyo State ahead of future elections.

Political campaigns, processions and the display of party materials are important aspects of democratic engagement. Supporters of different political parties should be able to participate in such activities without fear of violence, intimidation or destruction of property.

Stakeholders have a responsibility to encourage peaceful conduct, respect political differences and ensure that disagreements are resolved through lawful means.

Security agencies are also expected to conduct an impartial investigation, identify those responsible for any offences established by the evidence and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

As the police investigation continues, residents and political supporters are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from any action capable of triggering further violence.

The priority remains the protection of lives and property, the maintenance of public order and the preservation of a peaceful political environment across Oyo State.