The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three persons in connection with the killings which occured yesterday during the conduct of the bye election into Ekiti east constituency one of the state house of Assembly by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
A statement by ASP Sunday Abutu, the state police spokesperson, said the CP Tunde Mobayo, Ekiti police commissioner, assured the general public those involved shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.
He said the CP enjoined everyone to be calm and avoid any form of apprehension.
The statement read: "Today being 20/03/2021, some suspected thugs attacked ward 7 Unit 7 Iworo in Omuo Ekiti, shooting sporadically while eligible voters were casting their votes in a bye election of Ekiti State House of Assembly.
"In the process, 6 people were injured, among them were two policemen and one National Youths Service Corp (NYSC) member who are currently receiving treatment in Ikole General Hospital.
The Command Operatives swung into action and arrested three (3) of the suspects," the statement said.
The Resident Electoral commissioner, Dr Adeniran Tella, has equally announced suspension of the bye-election in consequence of the violence.
The INEC commissioner made the announcement while addressing newsmen in Omuo Ekiti.
He alleged three persons were shot dead while a police woman, corps member and INEC staff sustained gunshot injuries, all of which were considered enough as reasons for the suspension of the exercise.
According to him, the poll was disrupted in some polling units in Obadore, adding the safety of electoral officials, materials and Security personnel could no longer be guaranteed.
Meanwhile, angry reactions have been trailing the violence as the senator representing Ekiti south, Biodun Olujimi and a member of the house of Representatives, Mr Femi Bamisile condemned the violence.
In separate interviews, Olujimi and Bamisile called on the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Governor Kayode Fayemi has equally given a directive that all the suspects involved must be apprehended and brought to book.
Fayemi assured no one involved in the dastardly act would go unpunished.
Consequently, the Governor has directed the State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Mobayo, to ensure that everybody involved in the violent act are apprehended and brought to book regardless of their party affiliation.
The Governor, in a statement signed by Yinka Oyebode, his Chief Press Secretary, also commiserated with the families of those reported to have been killed in the mayhem as well as those who sustained injuries.
“This violence is most unwarranted, and deeply disturbing. I have instructed the police authorities to fish out the perpetrators and ensure they face the music. Our condolences to the families that lost loved ones and those who were injured. Government would not relent in efforts to always ensure safety of lives and properties. We shall ensure all purveyors of violence are brought to book.”, the Governor added.