Military personnel on Saturday reportedly foiled an alleged attempt by suspected political thugs to take over the Mayfair Motor Park in Ile-Ife, Osun State, following a violent clash that caused panic among residents.

According to reports, the attackers, alleged to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and led by Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, stormed the motor park alongside a police patrol team. Witnesses claimed the group fired sporadically in an attempt to force out officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) loyal to the Nurudeen Alowonle faction.

Sources said the operation was interrupted after distress calls alerted military personnel stationed nearby. The troops reportedly responded swiftly to the scene after hearing sustained gunfire around the Mayfair area.

Security sources alleged that the military overpowered the attackers, while Asiri Eniba reportedly fled the scene before troops arrived. Four suspected members of the group were said to have been arrested, with pump-action guns allegedly recovered from them.

The suspects have reportedly been taken into military custody for further investigation.

Meanwhile, another group of suspected APC supporters was alleged to have invaded Okuku, where they reportedly hijacked and carted away Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that were said to be awaiting distribution.

The report also accused police officers of failing to intervene in both incidents, alleging that officers present at the Ile-Ife motor park either stood by during the attack or actively supported the operation. These allegations have not been independently verified.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, nor the APC had issued an official statement regarding the incidents.

The developments come amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, with concerns over security and electoral violence continuing to mount.