BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Osun State Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in the state on Monday condemned in strong terms the killing of the Chairman of the party in Atakumosa East Central local government of the state, Chief Gbenga Ogbara by suspected hired assassins.
Some men, suspected to be hired assassins invaded the home of Ogara and killed him. It was gathered that Ogbara was shot dead inside his sitting room in Igangan, his hometown, early Monday.
Ogbara’s body was said to have been deposited at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa. The deceased’s wife, Mrs Ruth Kehinde Ogbara and his child, Isaac Aregbesola Ogbara, who were also wounded by the night marauders are being treated in an undisclosed hospital in Ilesa.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Osun Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident and said manhunt had been launched on his killers.
She said that investigation was ongoing and promised that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.
Opalola had said, “The APC Chairman was killed around 12:00am by some gunmen. Policemen have since been deployed to the area. Investigation is ongoing on the matter. The criminals will not escape justice.”
Meanwhile, the state government also sympathised with the family of the late APC chairman, assuring them that government has charged security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.
Government’s condemnation and condolences were contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan.
It also counselled residents and citizens not to take the laws into their own hands, as security operatives have been mandated to beef up security around the area.
“As a government, we are resolved to do everything possible to protect citizens from actual and potential threats. To this end, we have ordered security beef up around the Igangan area.
“We have also directed security operatives to launch an extensive manhunt so as to fish out those responsible for the killing of the late APC chieftain.
“Government enjoins all citizens to be peaceful and to be law-abiding as all efforts shall be made to protect them and their property at all times, ” the government added.
In the same vein, APC chairman in the state, Prince Gboyega Famodun, condemned Ogbara’s murder.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Kola Olabisi, Famodun stated that the assassination of Ogbara was wicked, callous, uncalled for, shocking and primitive.
The Osun APC State chairman said for whatever reason, it was grossly improper to settle any rift with killing.
He enjoined the Osun State Police Command to move with a speed of thunder in unraveling whatever or whoever might be responsible for the dastardly killing of the APC LCDA chairman.
Famodun stated further that it was a thorough investigation of the suspected murder incident by the police that can assuage the family of the deceased and his political allies.
The state party chairman commiserated with the family of the deceased APC chieftain and all the members of the party in his constituency.
