Violence marred the All Progressives Congress ward congress in Ondo State on Wednesday as two persons were reportedly killed during a crisis that erupted in Idanre, headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area.
Sources said suspected gunmen opened fire at the congress venue, leading to chaos and leaving at least three other persons injured in the incident.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that residents fled the area as gunshots echoed across parts of the community, forcing many shops and businesses to shut abruptly.
It was further alleged that the younger brother of the state chairman of the party, Engr Ade Adetimehin, who was reportedly assaulted at the party secretariat on Tuesday, was among those attacked by suspected thugs during the unrest.
A vehicle was also set ablaze amid the violence, heightening tension in the town.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had deployed tactical operatives to the area and personally led an on-the-spot assessment to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
He added that security presence had been strengthened across the community to restore calm and avert further escalation.
As of the time of filing this report, the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.