#EkitiDecides2026: Suspected hoodlums attack NAN, The Nation reporters in Iyin-Ekiti

Journalists covering the governorship election in Ekiti State, Nigeria, faced an attack by suspected hoodlums in Iyin-Ekiti. Yinusa Ishola, the Ekiti State Correspondent for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and Razak Ibrahim, his counterpart from The Nation newspaper, were assaulted.

The incident unfolded at Polling Unit 10, Ward B, in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Irepodun Local Government Area. The trouble began when operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived to observe alleged vote-buying activities. Their presence reportedly angered local individuals who accused the EFCC of attempting to intimidate voters.

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The situation would have degenerated into something more terrible if not for the driver of their vehicle who immediately sped off as the hoodlums were advancing toward them.

As the situation escalated with the hoodlums demanding the EFCC operatives leave, the two journalists, present to monitor the election process, were caught in the crossfire. The Nation reporter, who was recording the confrontation on his mobile phone, was specifically targeted. Tension flared once the attackers identified Ishola and Ibrahim as journalists, leading to the assault.

In an attempt to escape the advancing attackers, the journalists jumped into their vehicle and managed to drive away, sustaining minor injuries in the process. Ishola, who lost his office identity card during the attack, expressed gratitude for their survival, noting that the situation could have become much worse if their driver had not sped off. The report also mentioned that Yiaga Africa observed a high deployment of voting materials and security personnel during the election.

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thanked God for saving his life and that of his colleague.