Ekiti Stakeholders React To Killings, Carnage During House Of Assembly Bye- Election |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

Stakeholders in Ekiti state politics have reacted to the carnage which trailed the bye-election into the vacant seat in the State House of Assembly at Omuo on Saturday, describing it as barbaric.

Three persons, including a woman police, were confirmed dead during the violence which marred the bye-election with several persons wounded by gunmen who stormed voting centres.

The state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi,  condemned the violence and ordered the state police command to fish out perpetrators.

“This violence is most unwarranted and deeply disturbing. I have instructed police authority to fish out perpetrators and ensure they face the music.

“Our condolences to the family that list loved ones and those who were injured. Government will not relent in its efforts to always ensure safety of lives and property; we shall ensure all purveyors of violence are handled.”

Former Governor Ayodele Fayose in his reaction stated that: “The killings in Omuo Ekiti by suspected thugs of the ruling APC is clear evidence of state sponsored terrorism against its own citizens, who have rejected the party in Government.

“Killing of innocent people, just because of a five-ward House of Assembly bye-election was barbaric and shameful.

“I thought we have gone past this barbarism in Ekiti State especially when we are confronted with national insecurity to which the government have no solution.

“What was witnessed today in Omuo Ekiti is nothing but terrorism against the people of Ekiti, knowing that time has caught up with them and they are no longer popular.

“This will remain a guilt in the conscience of the perpetrators and their sponsors perpetually for killing their own people just because of a mere House of Assembly bye-election.

“Most importantly, everything that goes round in life comes round. The perpetrators of this despicable act should therefore remember that there will be consequences for all actions because the blood of the dead will surely speak and fight back.

“To the police in Ekiti, they know what to do and the people behind all these, if only they chose not to look away. Ekiti shall be free again if we collectively confront and win this battle against fake apostles of democracy.”

Former Governor Segun oni in his reaction noted that “it is very unfortunate that what happened in Ekiti East happened. If ordinary  constituency election could be distrupted with people killed and injured like that, what will happen if the whole state is taking part?

“I am not surprised because I already knew that the ruling party would want to win by all cost and when you want to win by all cost you will resort to violence and this was what we saw in Ekiti East Constituency Two election.

“I want to thank security agencies who were able to douse the tension but they still need to work hard and ensure the calmness continue after the whole process.”

INEC, declared the election inconclusive because of the violence which accompanied it.