Kehinde Fajobi
A violent clash broke out in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Thursday between suspected members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and motorcycle riders, creating tension in the Atikankan area.
Sources suggest the clash stemmed from two issues: one group claimed the incident was a response to the death of a motorcycle ticketing officer, while others pointed to underlying criminal motives.
The conflict escalated with the groups wielding weapons such as cutlasses and knives.
A source, speaking anonymously, shared: “The motorcycle riders are accusing the OPC of being responsible for the death of a motorcycle ticketing officer, whom they said was normally stationed at the OPC office in the area.
“That is what we learnt is the cause of the crisis. Some people have been injured in the process but I cannot say the number. It was when the police arrived at the scene that normalcy was restored.
“The police have made some arrests in connection with the incident.”
Another anonymous source said: “One cannot say what is happening. It is their ploy to commit crimes as usual. That is what they do in an atmosphere of confusion like this.”
The disturbance was brought under control when the Ekiti State Police’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) intervened.
Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu confirmed the situation in a text message, stating, “Today, being 09/01/2025 at about 11:20 hours, 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 of the suspects were arrested. They are currently undergoing investigation. Effort is underway to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.”