At least six persons were attacked when suspected armed thugs attacked the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The violent attack on the opposition party members is coming two days before the weekend governorship election.

A chieftain of the party in the state, Adeyemi Fasoranti, named one of the victims, Olowoniyi Akinleminu, as a popular politician in the town.

Mr Fasoranti said other victims were taken to the intensive care unit of the State Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Explaining the attack, Mr Olowoniyi said the thugs unleashed terror on the people because of the success of the party’s rally in the local government.

Another PDP chieftain, Bosede Salami, revealed that many of the opposition party members had been threatened by the suspected political thugs and cultists invited by political gladiators.

Confirming the incident, the state commissioner of police, Oladipo Abayomi, has directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Mr Abayomi, in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said a peace meeting of the leaders of the major political parties in the town had been convened.

“The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.

“The CP has made it clear that the command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.

“He calls on parents, community leaders, and influential figures to warn their followers, children, and loved ones to avoid any form of disruptive behaviour during this period,” the statement.

The Ondo State Government has declared Friday as public holiday to enable civil servants and others to travel to their various communities to exercise their civic responsibilities.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday evening signed by O.F Ayodele, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of service.

The statement reads, “The 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State has been scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold on Saturday, 16th November, 2024.

“To this end, the Ondo State Government has declared Friday, 15th November, 2024 as Work-Free Day for Public Servants in the State to enable them travel to their various communities to exercise their civic responsibilities.

“All Accounting Officers are to note the content of this Circular and disseminate same to all staff of their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”

The Board of Directors at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a leadership shakeup, appointing key executives to strengthen corporate governance and operational efficiency.

This was made known in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.

In the series of new appointments, Mr. Adedapo A. Segun has been named as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding his prior role as Executive Vice President of the Downstream sector, where he contributed significantly to NNPC’s downstream operations.

Segun replaced the outgoing CFO, Umar Ajiya.

Joining him in newly appointed roles, Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream.

Udobong Ntia has also been appointed as the Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream, replacing the outgoing EVP Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.

The statement read, “These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organisation’s strategic objectives.

“The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.

NNPC Limited remains committed to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritising the interests of the Nigerian public in the petroleum industry.”