Ekiti by-election killings: 3 arrested as Policewoman shot in the head survives

 

The Police Command in Ekiti State has arrested three hoodlums linked to the attack on voters in the Ekiti House of Assembly by-election on Saturday.

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, CP Babatunde Mobayo, disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday.

Mobayo spoke while delivering an update on the crisis. Further, he revealed that the policewoman, who was among eight persons shot, had survived; adding that she was responding to treatment. The policewoman was shot in the head.

Equally important, the Police boss, who spoke through the Command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Abutu; said that the policewoman was recuperating where she was taken to after being shot. Also, he dispelled the rumour that the  female cop was among those shot dead during the mayhem.

MuchTalksBlog had reported that hoodlums had gone on the rampage in Omuo Ekiti during the polls. The incident reportedly led to shooting in some polling units and the killing of at least three persons.

“This is to dispel widespread speculations in some quarters that a policewoman lost her life during the bloody poll,” Mobayo said.

“No police officer died during the shooting by thugs. Although it is true one of our officers was shot, but she did not die as speculated. The policewoman, who although was in a critical condition yesterday (Saturday) is now responding to treatment. She is getting better,” he said.

 According to him, the victim only sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to the hospital for medicare.

On the arrests, Mobayo said that full manhunt had begun; adding that three suspects were being detained at the police headquarters in Ado Ekiti.

“Yes, three suspected party thugs have been arrested. They were picked up where they were hiding and are now being detained in our headquarters. Murder is a capital offence and police won’t watch and allow anyone take laws  into his own hands freely.

“Nigeria is a nation being guided by laws.

“Just like we assured our people on Saturday, everyone who had hands in the killings will be brought to book. I am assuring that all those that were arrested will be taken to court as soon as we conclude investigations and gather enough evidence,” the CP stated.

The Ekiti East Constituency 1 seat became vacant following the death of an All Progressives Congress (APC) member. The deceased, Mr. Juwa Adegbuyi represented the constituency in the State House of Assembly. However, he passed on in February.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an indefinite suspension of the exercise. The move came in the wake of the bloody violence that greeted the polls.