The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State says gunmen attacked its members during a governorship campaign rally in Ilesa on Saturday.

Oluremi Omowaiye, the spokesperson for the state campaign council, said in a statement that a 12-year-old boy and other party members were attacked and shot during a peaceful campaign rally.

Mr Omowaiye alleged that the chief whip of the Osun State House of Assembly, Wale Akerele and operatives of the Amotekun Corps orchestrated the attack.

“Our members were holding a peaceful campaign procession in Ilesa West when Hon. Akerele, accompanied by armed Amotekun personnel, opened direct fire on the crowd,” he said.

He stated that scores of party members sustained injuries while scampering for safety, and four individuals, including a 12-year-old boy, Oluwatobi Ilesanmi, were shot.

Mr Omowaiye explained that the gunshot victims were rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Ilesa for urgent medical attention.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to immediately arrest and investigate Hon. Wale Akerele and the participating Amotekun operatives,” he said.

The party urged all well-meaning citizens and civil society organisations to condemn the continuous and reckless maiming of innocent citizens.

“Our party and members remain undeterred and will not be cowed by these desperate, violent tactics of the ruling party in the state,” he added.