Ekiti election violence not linked to poll, police say

Violence erupted in Isan-Ekiti, a town in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, just hours before the governorship election was set to begin. Initial reports, amplified by Isaac Fayose, brother of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, suggested the unrest was political and included an attack on a police station.

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The incident at Isan-Ekiti last night is non-election/political related. It was as a result of a football match in the community.

Fayose shared a video on Instagram depicting an attacked police station, claiming one person was killed and that "political violence" had erupted. He stated, "Ekiti youths are angry. Say no to rigging and intimidation." The accompanying audio suggested a strong anti-police sentiment in the community.

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One killed, Police station torched as political violence erupts in Isan-Ekiti, a few hours to gubernatorial election. Ekiti youths are angry. Say no to rigging and intimidation.

However, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, swiftly dismissed these claims. In an X post, he clarified that the incident stemmed from a community football match, not the ongoing electoral process. He assured the public that containment and de-escalation measures were implemented, normalcy was restored, and voting would proceed as planned.

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Necessary containment and de-escalation measures put in place, calmness restored. Voting would go ahead this morning in the town as scheduled.