Police say the attack on the convoy of Osun State governor was targeted at music artist, David Adeleke, widely known as Davido.
It was originally reported that the governor’s security escorts engaged some unidentified persons in a gun battle at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo during the governor’s visit, yesterday.
According to Daily Trust, the governor had paid a visit to the king shortly after he received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor was followed to the INEC headquarters and the palace by his children and nephew, Davido, who was actively involved in the election.
Some residents of Oja Oba Osogbo said that gunshots reportedly created fear for nearly 15 minutes as the men shot randomly as the governor’s security detail shot back.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary inquiry revealed that members of Eye Confraternity were on Davido’s trail.
“A former convict and suspected notorious thug, Adebayo Taoreed aka “Small Rugged” and member of eye confraternity was alleged to have tried to get to Davido but was stopped by his security Team.
“The subsequent confrontation reportedly drew in other suspected gang members in the area who temporarily blocked the entrance to the palace and obstructed the passage of the governor’s convoy.”
Ojelabi added that during the gun duel, a 60-year-old male, identified as Tajudeen Yusuf was shot dead.
“Shortly after, the suspected gang members allegedly left the vicinity and however on their way, they allegedly shot Tajudeen Yusuf at Itaolokan area of Osogbo.
On receipt of the information police swiftly mobilised a patrol squad to the scene where the victim was found lying in a pool of blood. He was transported to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo immediately for medical assistance. Unfortunately, the attending doctors proclaimed him dead.
“The Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident and intensified efforts to track down, arrest and bring the fleeing suspects to justice.
“CP Samuel Etaifo, the Commissioner of Police (Election), Osun State Command, has condemned the dastardly act in strong terms and assured the members of the public that the Command will deploy all available resources to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Command consequently calls on anyone with helpful information that can help the investigation to come forward swiftly to the nearest Police Station or contact the Command through its official channels. Members of the public are also being asked to be calm and not to take the law into their own hands.
“The Police Command has commenced a full scale investigation on the shooting incident,” the PPRO said.
“More updates will be provided as the investigation continues,” Ojelabi stated.
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