#OsunDecides2026: Sporadic shooting forces residents to flee ward collation centre

Sporadic gunfire disrupted the collation of results at the Ataoja D Ward 4 collation center in Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday night, forcing residents and election officials to flee for safety.

The shooting, reportedly carried out by security personnel, occurred between 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the Union Baptist Primary School premises, the designated collation center. The exact cause of the gunfire remained unclear at the time of reporting.

Eyewitnesses and a correspondent near the scene reported that security personnel fired several shots into the air, and canisters were also deployed within the premises. The shooting continued for over 15 minutes, prompting many individuals close to the center to seek cover. The incident unfolded as the collation of results from the day's governorship election was underway at various centers throughout the state.

The #OsunDecides2026 election has seen intense competition, with leading candidates from the APC, Accord Party, and ADC participating. The disruption at the collation center raises concerns about the security and integrity of the electoral process as results are being finalized.