Three Okinni Chiefs Shot, Accord Alleges DPO Was Transferred Over Assisting Victims
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Three traditional chiefs from Okinni, Osun State, are receiving treatment for gunshot injuries at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital following a Saturday night attack allegedly carried out by suspected political thugs.
The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party, in a statement signed by its chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, alleged that the attackers were members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party also claimed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who facilitated the evacuation of the victims to the hospital was transferred less than 24 hours later.
The traditional ruler of Papanla in Okinni, Oba Abdulmaruf Ameen, who visited the victims at the hospital, said the gunmen invaded the community at about 9 p.m. on Saturday and opened fire on residents.
“The attackers stormed Okinni around 9 p.m. and began shooting sporadically. Those believed to be sympathisers of the Accord Party were specifically targeted, leaving three chiefs with serious gunshot wounds,” the monarch said.
The injured chiefs are currently receiving treatment at the hospital’s emergency ward.
According to the statement, the victims told visitors that the attackers arrived in vehicles branded with the AMBO campaign logo.
The Accord chairman further stated that the management of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital confirmed that the injured victims were admitted to the hospital’s emergency unit for treatment.
The party also praised the Divisional Police Officer for his prompt response, saying he mobilised officers to the scene, coordinated the evacuation of the injured chiefs and personally accompanied them to the hospital.
However, Accord alleged that the officer was transferred by the Osun State Police Command on Sunday morning to a rural community in Osun West.
The party described the transfer as punitive.
“The DPO acted professionally by ensuring that the victims received immediate medical attention. It is unfortunate that he was allegedly transferred shortly afterwards for carrying out his lawful duty,” the statement said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the reported attack or respond to the allegation regarding the transfer of the Divisional Police Officer.