The ongoing ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Wednesday turned violent, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to several others in Idanre Local Government Area.

The incident occurred less than 24 hours after suspected political thugs attacked the APC Secretariat in Akure, disrupting a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the state chairman, Ade Adetimehin. During that attack, the chairman and other party leaders were assaulted, with many members sustaining injuries.

On Wednesday, reports indicated that the congress could not hold in some wards in Idanre after suspected hoodlums attacked party members. Vehicles were reportedly set ablaze during the crisis. The motive behind the violence was not immediately known.

One of the victims is Raphael Adetimehin, the brother of the APC chairman, who was brutally attacked at his ward in Idanre. Confirming the incident, the state chairman said his brother was shot and hacked with a machete, and that his vehicle was set on fire. He added that the attackers may have mistaken his brother for him due to their close resemblance.

“My brother was attacked; those who attacked him thought I was the one because we resemble each other very well. After shooting and stabbing him, they left him when they thought he was dead. I don’t know why we are taking politics to this extent,” Ade Adetimehin said.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that two people were killed and three others injured in Idanre. According to the police, the attack occurred around 11 a.m., and a vehicle was set ablaze.

“Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, alongside the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, CC Oluyemi Ibiloye, personally led a combined team of security operatives to the scene. Their timely intervention ensured the restoration of peace and order in the affected area,” the statement read.

Jimoh added that the injured victims are receiving medical attention, while the two deceased were confirmed dead at the hospital. He said investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances of the attack and apprehend those responsible. The police also urged residents to remain calm, assuring that additional tactical teams had been deployed to secure the area and prevent further violence.

APC Elders Condemn Violence

Ondo State APC elders under the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum condemned Tuesday’s attack on the party secretariat in Akure, where 15 elders were reportedly injured and are currently receiving treatment.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Pa Erastus Akeju, the forum described the incident as a violation of democratic principles, party discipline, and the rule of law.

“The violent assault and public humiliation of the Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, alongside respected party leaders and stakeholders, by hoodlums masquerading as political actors is utterly reprehensible. Such lawlessness is unacceptable in any democratic society, especially within a party that prides itself on progressive values, internal democracy, and respect for constituted authority,” the statement said.

Akeju called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to democracy, justice, and institutional order. He also urged the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Working Committee to act swiftly, stressing the need for thorough investigations, appropriate sanctions, and clear directives to reinforce discipline and security across party structures nationwide.

“Intimidation, thuggery, and physical violence have no place in politics. The APC was not built by brigandage; it was built by ideas, dialogue, and the collective will of Nigerians who believe in democratic governance. When leaders are beaten and elders disgraced within the party, the very foundation of political order is threatened. On behalf of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Ondo State, I condemn this incident in the strongest terms. It is an assault not only on individuals but on the integrity of the APC itself. Silence or indifference in the face of such brutality would embolden impunity and invite further chaos,” the statement added.