The Oyo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a violent attack on supporters of Accord Party governorship candidate, broadcaster and media entrepreneur Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, during a procession organised to welcome him back to Ibadan from the United Kingdom.
The incident, which occurred around the Molete area of Ibadan on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, reportedly left several supporters injured and vehicles in the convoy damaged. The development has also taken a more serious turn following police confirmation that one person died from injuries sustained during the attack.
According to the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the supporters were allegedly ambushed by suspected hoodlums shortly after leaving Molete while proceeding towards Iwo Road, where the Agidigbo FM office is located.
The police confirmed that the incident was formally reported to the command on October 14 by Kehinde Samuel Ibikunle.
One of the victims, identified as 40-year-old Azeez Tajudeen, a native of Oke Amu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, reportedly sustained a severe injury to his right eye during the attack.
He was initially rushed for medical attention before being taken to the State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, where medical personnel reportedly confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue.
The police said Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the matter be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The purpose of the investigation, according to the command, is to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible so that they can face the law.
Earlier reports indicated that hundreds of Hamzat's supporters had gathered for what was intended to be a peaceful welcome procession following his return from the United Kingdom. The procession reportedly became chaotic when suspected attackers allegedly confronted the group in Molete and pelted members of the convoy with stones. Some supporters were reportedly injured, while vehicles were vandalised.
Security personnel and Hamzat were said to have intervened to prevent the situation from escalating into a reprisal attack. Supporters reportedly expressed anger over the incident but were urged to remain calm.
The incident has generated political reactions in Oyo State, with the All Progressives Congress calling on relevant security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
However, reports have also indicated that conflicting accounts have emerged regarding what transpired during the confrontation. While Hamzat's supporters and their representatives described the incident as an attack on their procession, other accounts circulating from individuals in the Molete area have disputed aspects of that narrative. The police investigation is therefore expected to establish the facts and determine responsibility.
In response to the development, the Oyo State Police Command advised political aspirants, party leaders and organisers of public processions to notify the police at least 48 hours before planned gatherings.
The command said advance notification would enable security agencies to make adequate arrangements, prevent breaches of public peace and protect participants as well as members of the wider public. It also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
The fatal incident comes as political activities continue to intensify ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, placing renewed attention on the need for political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct campaigns and public activities peacefully.
For many residents, the Molete incident is a reminder that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into violence. As the police investigation continues, attention will remain focused on establishing exactly what happened, identifying those responsible and ensuring that the death of Azeez Tajudeen does not go without accountability.
The authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.
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