Police in Nigeria’s Ondo State detained 13 people Saturday over a deadly assault on an All Progressives Congress party event. The violence erupted February 18 during a ward congress in Idanre, a town in the state’s northeast.

Two attendees died in the attack. Three more suffered injuries. Property damage added to the chaos, according to a statement from DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the police public relations officer.

Commissioner Adebowale Lawal launched an intelligence-driven manhunt right away. Operatives from the Idanre Division swept through key spots in the area. Their efforts netted the suspects, now held for questioning.

“This prompted the CP to immediately direct an intensive intelligence-driven manhunt to track down all individuals connected to the violence,” Jimoh said in the statement.

Investigators continue hunting for accomplices. They aim to pin down each person’s role in the incident. No charges have been filed yet.

Jimoh credited support from Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun. The top officer provided operational guidance that sped up the arrests, the statement noted.

The command issued a stern warning. Anyone or any group plotting to disturb public order faces arrest and prosecution. Ondo residents can expect justice, police said.

Idanre sits amid rolling hills, about 30 kilometers northeast of Akure, the state capital. APC ward congresses pick local executives ahead of bigger party polls. Tensions often flare at these grassroots votes, especially in Ondo, a southwestern swing state.

Local media reported gunfire and clashes between rival factions. Eyewitnesses described youths wielding machetes and sticks. Party officials condemned the attack but pointed no fingers yet.

Ondo police ramped up patrols after the incident. Checkpoints now dot roads into Idanre. The state government urged calm while backing the probe.

This marks the latest flare-up in APC internal races. Similar violence hit Rivers State last month, leaving one dead. Nationwide, police have nabbed over 50 suspects in party-related clashes since January.

Commissioner Lawal took office last year. He pledged to crush political thuggery. Saturday’s arrests show his team delivering on that promise, Jimoh said.

Victims’ families demand swift trials. One injured man, 42-year-old trader Adebayo Ojo, remains in Akure hospital. Doctors say he lost an eye in the melee.

The dead were identified as 28-year-old farmer Segun Afolabi and 35-year-old mechanic Tunde Oladipo. Both hailed from Idanre. Funerals drew hundreds Saturday, with mourners chanting against violence.

APC leaders in Ondo vowed to review security at future congresses. State chairman Ade Adetimehin called the attack “barbaric.” He promised compensation for losses.

Police urged tips from the public. A hotline runs 24 hours. Anonymity assured for callers, Jimoh added.

Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stayed silent so far. His office monitors the case, sources said. State assembly debates beefed-up election security next week.