The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state has condemned the assassination of Niyi Pirisola, the erstwhile Caretaker Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, who was brutally killed in the early hours of Friday by unknown gunmen.
The party described the assassination of Mr. Pirisola as shocking and has called on the security agencies in the state to begin an investigation into the murder case in order to locate his killers.
Banji Okunomo, the Publicity Secretary of the party also expressed similar feelings in a condolence message issued in Akure and obtained by SaharaReporters correspondent.
Mr. Okunomo said police investigation into the murder case would ease tensions as the state prepares for the November 26th governorship election in the state.
“This is necessary because of the sensitivity of the times that we are in Ondo State considering that the State is preparing for its governorship election come November 26, 2016.
“The PDP cautions against anything that could heat up the polity and impede the transition process that is being prepared for in our dear Sunshine State.
“Ondo State has been widely acclaimed as one of the most peaceful States in the country. We must not allow hoodlums to tamper with this track record or dent our image in any way”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force said it has begun investigation into the murder case with a view to arrest the criminals behind the sorrowful act.
Femi Joseph, the Spokesman of Police in the state confirmed this to SaharaReporters correspondent in a telephone interview.
Mr. Joseph said officers of the command have been placed on red alert over this murder case.
“Our officers have started combing everywhere and am sure in few days, we shall apprehend the criminals behind this act and also bring them to book.
“We have strengthened our intelligence section in the command for alert of possible violence or security threat mostly as the state prepares for the governorship election”, he said.
Mr. Pirisola, an evangelist was killed at about 3:00 am on Friday while returning home from a vigil of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Dide Oluwa Parish in Ilututun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo state.
SaharaReporters gathered that the deceased was age 52, until his death and was survived by a wife and three children.
His remains, however, have been deposited at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital in Okitipupa.
