From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

…Police nab six suspects

Pandemonium broke out on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, following a violent clash between members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the commercial motorcycle riders’ association.

The bloody violence, which started at about 1:30 pm at the popular Atikankan area, left several members of both groups injured as they engaged in a fierce battle using various weapons such as cutlasses, knives, charms, and sticks.

The conflict was reportedly triggered by the death of a motorcycle ticketing officer from the commercial motorcycle riders’ association.

The clash, which lasted for several hours, caused panic and tension in the area as both groups fought with dangerous weapons.

An eyewitness, who does not want his name in print, said trouble began when the motorcycle riders accused OPC members of being responsible for the death of their ticketing officer, who was stationed near the OPC office in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti.

As at the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained.

Meanwhile, police officers from the Special Rapid Response Squad (RRS) had been deployed to the area to restore peace and order.

When our correspondent visited the scene, the streets were deserted, and patrol vehicles of the RRS were seen patrolling the area.

Additionally, officers from the Okesa Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force were stationed at strategic points within the affected area.

Speaking on the incident, the Ekiti State Police spokesperson, Mr Sunday Abutu, confirmed the arrest of six persons in connection with the violent clash.

He added that the suspects were assisting the police in their investigation.

“Today, being 09/01/2025, at about 11:20 hrs, the Command received a distress call that some hoodlums were attacking and robbing innocent people in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti.

“The operatives of the RRS were deployed to the axis, where six suspects were arrested.

“They are currently undergoing investigation while efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang,” he explained.