Assailants shoot APC member in Osogbo, Osun, 2026

By Shina Abubakar

A member of the All Progressives Congress, Taofeek Mustapha, was shot on Saturday by suspected political thugs.

Sola Hammed, a resident of Oluode‑Aranyin where the incident took place, said the hoodlums arrived in an unmarked brown Sienna and began firing sporadically into the air.

“We all scampered for safety to avoid stray bullets, and we suddenly heard someone crying for help but we didn’t look back at the moment,” Hammed recalled.

The victim described how he had put on an AMBO‑crested face cap when the shooting began. While running for his life, the thugs shot him in the leg.

“I put on the AMBO crested cap when the shooting occurred. Everyone ran to safety and they pursued me because I was wearing the APC candidate cap. I did not wait but was shot. I cried for help before they retrieved back into the vehicle and drove away,” he said.

Abiodun Ojelabi, spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, said an investigation has been launched into the incident.

He also reported that two Ilesa residents who had been kidnapped by suspected political thugs have been rescued.

The victims were allegedly abducted by thugs believed to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress.

Political violence in Osun has escalated as the August 15 governorship election approaches, with reports of killings in various parts of the state.

Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu has instructed Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan to demonstrate strength and raid criminal hideouts to flush suspected criminals from the state before the election.

Disu, speaking through DIG South West Adegoke Fayoade, made the remarks while addressing stakeholders at the police command, including INEC, political parties, heads of security agencies, religious groups and the media.

He warned that criminals would not be allowed to set the state on fire and urged politicians to stop harbouring suspected criminals.