Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the violence that marred the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress in parts of the state.

The congress, conducted across 203 wards, was disrupted in Idanre Local Government Area, where suspected political thugs reportedly interfered with proceedings. The unrest later extended to Iju/Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North, where clashes broke out.

Police confirmed that two people were killed and three others injured. One of the victims, Mr Raphael Adetimehin, younger brother of the state APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin, was allegedly beaten during the disturbance and is said to be in a coma in an Akure hospital.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor condemned the incident and denied any link to the violence.

“The pockets of issues in the ward congress of the party have nothing to do with the governor, and that was why he called on security agencies to restore order at the Party Secretariat on Tuesday.

“Mr Governor has also called on security agencies to investigate the crisis that took place in Idanre earlier today and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to party unity and directed security operatives to ensure calm is restored in the affected areas.