By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mudasiru Baraka, has been killed by suspected gunmen on Wednesday in ancient Oyo town.
Baraka, according to an eyewitness account, was shot at close range and died on the spot at his family compound in Oyo East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
His death has thrown the PDP family into mourning while some members are alleging a foul play from rival political parties.
The PDP has specifically accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being responsible for the dastardly act.
In a statement by the state’s PDP’s publicity secretary, Akeem Olatunji, the party accused the APC of masterminding the attack that led to the gruesome murder of the politician.
“The late Baraka who was from Ward 4 Tengba, Oyo East Local Government had gone to his family house in the spirit of the Yuletide to celebrate with his parents on Wednesday morning,” the statement read in part.
Some witnesses said the deceased was waylaid and threatened by notorious thugs who are APC supporters led by their gang leader popularly known as ‘Ade Ilaka’ after which the deceased reported the threats to Operation Burst in the area.
Operation Burst operatives were said to have accompanied the deceased back to his family house to effect necessary security action, but the assailants reportedly absconded, the ruling party added.
Meanwhile, nine suspects were said to have been arrested in connection with the murder.
After Operation Burst had departed the area, the assailants however, returned more viciously and aggressively to the family house of the deceased where he was murdered in cold blood.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident, saying, “There was an unfortunate case of random violence that led to the death of one Hakeem Mudashiru ‘m’ 40yrs reported by the Father of the deceased, one Jimoh Agala at Durbar Divisional Police Headquarters, Oyo State today Wednesday, 28/12/2022 at about 1335hrs (01: 35 pm local time).
“Preliminary investigation has it that the deceased was attacked by hoodlums who he had hitherto engaged in an heated argument.
“At the moment, nine suspects, including a female have been apprehended in conjunction with the case, which is currently being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
“Lastly, ample deployments of Police operatives have been sent to the Area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.”
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