No fewer than two persons were reportedly killed in violence that erupted during the elections at Oba Akoko in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Three vehicles were also vandalised, which included a police patrol van by the irate youth during the violence.
Also, a beer depot beside a collation centre was burnt down.
Though the members of the political parties involved in the violence were not known as of the time of filing this report, it was gathered that trouble started when some armed thugs attempted to attack a collation centre in the town.
A source said, “The incident happened when some thugs attempted to attack the collation centre, they were shooting sporadically to scare the INEC officials away at the centre but the combined team of soldiers and policemen prevented them from gaining entrance into the centre. So, the security men engaged them in a shootout.
“Later, the security men also chased them shooting sporadically; it was at that point that two of them were shot dead while one was injured.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Femi Joseph, said two people lost their lives while some suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence.
He added, “Some thugs wanted to attack the collation centre in Oba Akoko but our men, in conjunction with other security agents, did not allow them to enter the centre. Two of them were killed. We have commenced investigation into the incident. We have also arrested about 20 persons in connection with violence in different places during the election today (Saturday).”
Meanwhile, the state government on Saturday evening imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on the community to reduce tension.
0 Comments