Rising Concerns Over Safety as Political Violence Mars Ekiti State.

A violent incident unfolded in Efon Alaaye, Efon Local Government Area of Ekiti State, resulting in injuries to at least four individuals, among them a prominent businessman named Chief Bode Olayinka. The attack, reportedly carried out by a group of hoodlums, targeted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region. The assault is believed to be linked to the upcoming local government elections scheduled for December, which are set to take place across various local government areas and council development areas within the state.

Mr. Olaitan Olayinka, one of the victims, recounted the distressing encounter with the assailants. According to his account, approximately twenty attackers armed with cutlasses, Dane guns, and other weapons stormed his family residence, where he was spending a leisurely evening. Olayinka, who holds aspirations to become the Chairman of Efon Local Government, revealed that a local political figure orchestrated the attack with the intention of stifling competition from other contenders in the upcoming election. Despite the aggression, Olayinka remained resolute in his determination to pursue his candidacy.

The confrontational situation escalated during a masquerade event on July 31, 2023, during which the hoodlums attempted to seize a customized cap from one of Olayinka’s supporters. When resistance was met, the assailants subjected the supporter to physical abuse. Matters escalated further when the hoodlums later targeted Olayinka’s family home, inflicting harm on multiple individuals and causing significant damage to property, including smashing cartons of beer bottles in a shop.

The intervention of military personnel was ultimately necessary to restore calm and order to the area. In light of these developments, Olayinka appealed to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to intercede and prevent further attacks that could potentially trigger a political crisis. The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed that the alleged leader of the group responsible for the attack has been apprehended and is currently facing legal proceedings.

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