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.