Gunmen attacked multiple locations in Osogbo on Tuesday, sparking panic among residents and heightening concerns over security ahead of the Osun State governorship election. The shootings, which occurred in Aregbe, Akoda, and Owode-Ede, targeted campaign-linked vehicles, leaving several buses riddled with bullets, according to eyewitness accounts and circulating videos.
The violence appears to have deepened political tensions between rival camps. Supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the convoy of a political group identified as AMBO was behind the attack, accusing it of deliberately targeting their members. In contrast, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed that thugs aligned with the governor’s Accord Party were responsible for assaults on their campaign vehicles, with reports of injuries among their supporters.
Residents described scenes of chaos as gunshots rang out, forcing people to flee for safety. “We heard rapid gunfire and everyone started running,” said a shop owner in the Owode-Ede area who requested anonymity for security reasons. “It felt like a war zone for several minutes.”
Police authorities in Osun State confirmed the incidents and said tactical teams had been deployed to affected areas to restore calm and investigate the attacks. A police spokesperson noted that, as of now, there is no confirmed link tying the gunmen to any political party.
“We are treating the situation as a serious security breach,” the spokesperson said. “Our operatives are on the ground, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.”
Despite competing claims from both political sides, officials have urged restraint and warned against spreading unverified information, particularly regarding casualty figures, which remain unclear.
The incidents come at a sensitive time, as political campaigns intensify ahead of the governorship poll. Osun State has a history of closely contested elections, and analysts warn that rising tensions could undermine voter confidence if not swiftly addressed.
Both camps have publicly called for calm, even as accusations continue to fly. Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process, but Tuesday’s violence underscores the fragile atmosphere surrounding the upcoming vote.
As investigations continue, attention is likely to focus on whether the attacks were isolated acts of violence or part of a broader pattern of election-related intimidation. For now, residents remain on edge, hoping for swift action to prevent further unrest in the days leading up to the polls.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH 🫡 @AAdeleke_01 pic.twitter.com/9z4BrLfaJ7
— Davido (@davido) June 9, 2026
APC OSUN All these won’t win that August 15th governorship election for AMUBO your candidate sha.
— Davido (@davido) June 9, 2026
How many people needs to die, due to you guys style of extreme politicking?
E wa n terrorize awon eyan kiri igboro 💔 MCHEWWW LESSONS WILL BE LEARNT