There was tension and confusion in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital on Sunday over fears of reprisal following the Saturday killing of a staunch supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Tope Ajayi.
Ajayi, a member of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), was allegedly shot and killed in Itaji Ekiti when supporters of the APC and Social Democratic Party (SDP) confronted themselves during campaigns in the town.
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Tension enveloped Ado-Ekiti yesterday following a rumour that the leadership of RTEAN had mobilised themselves to launch a reprisal.
Residents remain indoors as the streets were deserted.
Men and officers of the Nigerian Army, police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were mobilised to some flashpoints in the state.
Three Armored Personnel Carriers and trucks were stationed in various strategic locations in the state capital.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, said his men had been able to quell the crisis and restored calm in Ado metropolis, after the early morning bedlam.
He said the Police Commissioner, Morounkeji Adesina, and other security agencies’ heads had been efforts to ensure a violence-free election because no election is worth the blood of any citizen.
“Concerning what has been happening in the political scene, the CP has ordered investigations into reported cases of shooting and disruption and we are assuring you that those found guilty will be severely dealt with,” Abutu added.