Images: Hoodlums cause chaos at PDP rallies supported by Wike in Oyo

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Some of the suspected thugs.

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By Adeola Badru

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Violence erupted across parts of Oyo State on Saturday as suspected political thugs launched coordinated attacks on local government congresses organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, leaving several party members injured and property destroyed.

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The incident occurred amid separate reports that suspected political thugs also invaded the residence of former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, in Ibadan, destroying property within the compound, which further heightened political tension within the party.

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Although details of the attack remained sketchy, sources close to the veteran politician said he and his aides narrowly escaped the invasion.

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Witnesses and party sources said hoodlums stormed several congress venues, assaulting participants and vandalising vehicles in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the exercise.

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Chairman of the Wike-aligned PDP faction in the state, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed that the attacks occurred in multiple locations, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Akinyele and Igboora in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.

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According to him, at least ten people sustained injuries during the violence, while several vehicles were damaged.

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“Our local government congresses were attacked across Oyo State, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Igboora in Ibarapa Central and Akinyele,” Akinoso said in a telephone interview.

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He disclosed that three vehicles were vandalised at Gbolarumi House located on Are Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the venue where members of the faction had gathered for the exercise.

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The attacks have heightened tensions within the party as rival factions continued to struggle for control of its structure in the state.

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Below are more images from the scenes:

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