A violent clash erupted in the Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti early Thursday morning, prompting swift intervention by law enforcement. The incident, involving suspected members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and motorcycle riders, caused panic among residents before the police stepped in to restore order.
Reports suggest the clash stemmed from tensions following the death of a motorcycle ticketing officer allegedly stationed near the OPC office.
Some sources linked the conflict to deeper criminal activities in the area, exacerbating tensions. Armed with weapons such as knives and cutlasses, the groups reportedly engaged in violent confrontations, leaving several individuals injured.
A witness, speaking anonymously, told PUNCH, “The motorcycle riders are accusing the OPC of being responsible for the death of a ticketing officer. That is what we learned as the cause of the crisis.” Another resident expressed concerns about criminal elements taking advantage of the unrest, saying, “It is their ploy to commit crimes as usual. That is what they do in an atmosphere of confusion like this.”
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed receiving a distress call around 11:20 a.m. According to police spokesperson Sunday Abutu, Rapid Response Squad officers were dispatched to the scene and arrested six suspects linked to the violence.
Abutu stated, “The operatives of the RRS were deployed to the axis where six of the suspects were arrested. They are currently undergoing investigation. Effort is underway to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.”
