Ekiti by-election violence: Suspects face murder charges today

 

The suspects arrested for the violence and killings that disrupted the House of Assembly by-election in Ekiti on Saturday will face murder charges today, Monday, March 22, 2021.

This was disclosed by Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on Sunday.

Fayemi, who declared that there is no need to waste time in prosecuting those responsible for the killings, revealed that the suspects would face murder charges. He made this known during a sympathy visit to Omuo Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti East LGA; where the incident occurred.

Fayemi visited the private home of Sen. Abiodun Olujimi, a PDP Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District; who was one of those who narrowly missed being hit by the bullets. Also, he held a closed-door meeting with the Senator where he reportedly told her, after the latter had narrated her ordeal; that the issue at hand was not a political issue. Further, he promised that anyone arrested in connection with the attack would be treated as a common criminal; no matter which political party such a person belonged to.

“We may not be able to bring back the dead. But every perpetrator will be dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others.

“After I spoke with Senator Olujimi on Saturday; I called the Commissioner of Police (CP) and instructed him to do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators. I’m happy to inform you that as I arrived the state (today, Sunday); the CP said all the culprits had been arrested and on Monday. They shall be charged for murder.”

Meanwhile, the governor equally visited the palace of the Olomuo of Omuo Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbehin; as well as survivors on their hospital beds, wishing them quick recovery. He thanked the Oba for maintaining peace in the community by not allowing residents to take laws into their hands in reaction to the wanton killings. In addition, he assured the traditional ruler that the perpetrators would be made to face the full weight of the law; noting that he would not politicise the incident.

Responding, Oba Omonigbehin thanked the governor for the condolence visit; pleading that those responsible for the attack be brought to book.

Three persons were shot dead in Omuo-Ekiti on Saturday during the polls. The deceased were allegedly killed by suspected party thugs; while five others sustained gunshot wounds during the House of Assembly bye-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

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.