By Michael Ofulue
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Twenty persons suspected to be political thugs have been arrested by the police in Oba-Akoko, Ondo State for their alleged involvement in a riot on Saturday in which two people were feared killed.
The suspects who were mainly youths allegedly caused mayhem in the town as a result of which the police station, exhibit vehicles at the station and barrack were burnt down.
Authoritative sources said the suspects who have been moved down to Akure are currently being detained for questioning at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Igbatoro, Akure.
The source claimed that some are yet to be identified persons died when the suspects engaged police in a shootout following their attempts to snatch ballot boxes.
Confirming their arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Undie Adie visited the town with the State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu for on the spot assessment of the crisis.
The police PRO who said it took a frantic effort of mobilized security men to restore normalcy to the town hinted that all those found to have had a hand in the unfortunate incident would be made to face the full weight of the law after the police have concluded their investigations.
His words: “The incident in Oba Akoko during the house of Assembly election was quite unfortunate .The incident claimed two lives as the hoodlums attacked the police station and vandalised vehicles. They shot sporadically and our men tried to prevent them from carting away ballot boxes. We mobilized our men who helped to bring the situation under control.
“Before the election, we warned the youth not to allow themselves to be used by any politicians but it was unfortunate that some of the disgruntled elements decided to allow themselves to be used to disrupt the peaceful electoral process. I am assuring you that those behind the dastardly act would soon be brought to justice. We had 20 suspects in our custody undergoing intensive investigation and interrogation,” he said.
While saying the police will leave no stone unturned to get to the root of the matter, he assured the people of Akoko to go about their lawful and legitimate duties as adequate security has been put in place to guarantee their safety.
