Tunde Adeleke, Osogbo
Tension gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Saturday as sporadic gunshots were reported at different locations around collation centres following the governorship election in the state.
The development reportedly caused panic among residents, party agents and other stakeholders as security concerns heightened in the state capital.
At ward 4, Atoja D, Union Baptist School, sporadic gunshots reportedly lasted for more than five minutes, making residents panic.
Also, gunshots were reported around the Salvation Army area, while another round of sporadic shooting was heard around GOF Junction, further raising fear among residents as the collation of results commenced.
Although details surrounding the incidents and casualties remained unclear at the time of filing this report, the shootings reportedly disrupted the calm in parts of Osogbo.
There were also concerns over the security of personnel and party agents involved in the collation process, with residents reportedly seeking safety.
The incidents came amid political tension in Osun, where the governorship election has been closely contested.
Previous election monitoring reports have identified Osogbo as a potential flashpoint because of its political importance and role in the state’s electoral process.
