Police Confirm Attack on Oriyomi Hamzat’s Supporters in Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed an attack on supporters of Accord Party governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, during a peaceful procession in Molete, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area. The police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying the supporters were ambushed by suspected hoodlums. “I am aware of the attacks. The loyalists of Hamzat were ambushed during a peaceful procession at Molete end of the ancient city,” Ayanlade said. Hamzat, a radio presenter and chairman of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, was reportedly returning from the United Kingdom when he and his supporters were pelted with stones by unidentified attackers. Eyewitnesses said the intervention of security personnel and Hamzat’s efforts to calm his supporters prevented a possible reprisal attack. The procession was organised to welcome Hamzat back to Nigeria late Tuesday night. One eyewitness said the attack would not discourage supporters from backing their preferred candidate. Another eyewitness, identified as Kola, condemned the incident, saying political differences should not lead to violence. Kehinde Olaiya, a member of the group, said some supporters sustained injuries while vehicles in the convoy were vandalised. He added that Hamzat remained peaceful and that the procession would continue from the Ibadan Toll Gate area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the headquarters of Agidigbo FM along the Ojoo-Iwo Road Expressway.
