Tension in Fayemi’s hometown as youths burn Police Station ahead of Ekiti Gov'ship poll

By Tolu Temidire

Tension gripped Isan-Ekiti, the hometown of former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, in the early hours of Saturday following the reported killing of a young man during a clash that culminated in the burning of a police station.

The incident occurred just hours before voters were expected to head to the polls for the Ekiti State governorship election, heightening concerns over security and possible voter intimidation in parts of the state.

Videos circulating on social media showed a police facility engulfed in flames as angry youths protested the alleged killing of a resident by a police officer.

Details surrounding the shooting remained unclear as of press time, with conflicting accounts emerging over the circumstances that led to the unrest.

While some residents alleged that the victim was shot dead by a policeman, triggering spontaneous protests, others linked the violence to heightened political tensions ahead of the election, with opposition figures raising concerns over alleged intimidation and attempts to influence the voting process.

The incident has drawn significant attention due to Isan-Ekiti's political significance as the hometown of Fayemi, a former two-term governor and influential member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC is seeking re-election in the poll, which political observers are closely monitoring, given that no elected governor in Ekiti State has secured an immediate second term.

The election campaign has been marked by accusations and counter-accusations among political actors, including claims of intimidation, fears of vote-buying and concerns over security deployments.

The Ekiti State Government had earlier declared Friday, June 19, a work-free day to enable civil servants travel to their respective voting areas ahead of the election.

However, the violence in Isan-Ekiti has underscored lingering security concerns despite repeated calls by political leaders and security agencies for peaceful conduct during the poll.

As of Saturday morning, the Ekiti State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the identity of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the extent of damage to the police station or whether any arrests had been made.

The incident is expected to increase pressure on security agencies overseeing the election as residents prepare to vote amid heightened tensions.

Authorities are yet to determine whether the unrest was solely a response to the alleged police shooting or linked to broader political tensions surrounding the governorship election.