One Killed, Police Station Burnt as Violence Erupts in Ekiti on Election Day
By Correspondent
Ado-Ekiti — Voting in the Ekiti State governorship election began under a cloud of tension on Saturday after a young man was reportedly killed and a police station set ablaze in Isan-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred just hours before residents headed to polling units across the state to elect a governor.
According to multiple reports, the unrest followed the alleged fatal shooting of a young man by a police officer in Isan-Ekiti.
While details surrounding the incident remained unclear as of press time, local sources said the shooting triggered widespread anger among residents, leading to protests and attacks on public property.
Videos circulating on social media showed a building identified as a police station engulfed in flames, while other footage showed a young man lying in a pool of blood. Residents claimed the victim had been involved in a dispute linked to a football gathering before the confrontation with police escalated.
Angry youths reportedly stormed the police facility and set it on fire in retaliation for the killing. Witnesses also reported scenes of panic in the community, with security operatives deploying tear gas in an effort to restore order.
The Ekiti State Police Command had yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report. Efforts to reach police spokesperson Sunday Abutu for confirmation were unsuccessful.
The violence comes despite heightened security arrangements put in place for the governorship election. Security agencies had deployed personnel across the state ahead of the poll, while political parties previously signed peace accords aimed at ensuring a violence-free exercise.
Meanwhile, voting commenced in most parts of the state as scheduled, with electoral officials arriving at polling units under security escort. Observers reported orderly accreditation and voting processes in several locations despite concerns generated by the Isan-Ekiti disturbance.
The governorship election is being closely watched as voters across Ekiti decide who will lead the state for the next four years.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the killing, the destruction of the police station, and any arrests connected to the incident as investigations continue.
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