A former Commissioner for Finance in Kogi state, Chief Abiodun Ojo became the latest casualty of the growing spate of political violence in the state.
Ojo survived direct attacks from thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Administrator of Ijumu local government council, Alhaji Taufiq Isah who stormed the Odokoro-Gbedde venue of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign with guns and other dangerous weapons.
Speaking with newsmen in Odokoro after the attacks, Comrade Gbenga Olulade said the thugs are well known in Ijumu. He stated that the miscreants were instructed by the Administrator to attack PDP supporters.
“The PDP campaign train had visited Ijumu Oke, Ijumu Arin axis yesterday without any obstruction, attack or violence. Today’s rally is expected to cover the five Wards in Gbede Axis of Ijumu LGA.
“The thugs working on the instruction of Ijumu LGA sole administrator, Taofik Isah, whose identity are known during the attack are, Aliyu Fatai, Karimi Aliyu and Shola Balogun.
“Fatai Aliyu, who is also the APC party chairman for Okoro/Odokoro/Araromi ward, led other thugs to destroy chairs, deface PDP posters and unleash violence on PDP campaign team and supporters at Okoro-Odokoro-Araromi ward of Ijumu LGA,” he said.
He called on members and supporters of PDP to remain law abiding.
“We shall not engage those who have been rejected by the people in such dirty, barbaric and uncivilized act of politics. We remain resolute, focused and firm in our believe at exercising our democratic rights to campaign and canvass for votes, anchored on democracy which is the govt of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Reacting to the attacks, former state chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Oladele Nihi berated the ruling party for the shameful act.
“This morning, I was here praising our people for their peaceful conduct of campaign among the different political parties so far but like they say, any family that is peaceful, the BASTARD CHILD there is yet to be born.
“Today in Odo-koro Gbede in Ijumu LGA of Kogi State, hometown of Mr. Taofiq Isa, Kogi State ALGON Chairman, few thugs led by his sons, Isah Wale and Ayo Wahab threw stones from a distance at the convoy of PDP Kogi West Senatorial District Campaign Team vandalizing two (2) cars. One of the cars belong to Hon. Abiodun Ojo and the other Elder Olalekan Aiyenigba.”
