Aregbesola Cries Foul, Fingers Political Terrorism as ADC Secretariat Got Set on Fire in Ekiti Ahead of Party Inauguration
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has been set ablaze by suspected political thugs in the early hours of Tuesday, just hours before the scheduled inauguration of new party executives.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the attack, which occurred at the party’s office in the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti, destroyed several valuables including plastic chairs, canopies, sound systems, and documents that had been arranged for the inauguration of new executives at the ward, local government, and state levels.
Eyewitnesses said that after setting the building on fire, the attackers regrouped and stormed the nearby venue prepared for the ceremony. They reportedly shot into the air to disperse people and went on to attack ADC members, journalists, and other attendees.
The chaos led to the destruction of vehicles, motorcycles, canopies, and chairs arranged for the event. Residents of the area fled for safety as the hoodlums unleashed terror before escaping.
About fifteen minutes after the attackers fled, ADC National Secretary and former Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, arrived at the scene under tight security. Despite the violence, he went ahead with a brief inauguration of the newly elected executives.
Aregbesola condemned the attack, describing it as an act of political intolerance and a grave threat to democracy.
“This is unacceptable in a democratic society. Such violence undermines the very essence of freedom and fair participation in politics,” he said.
Also reacting, former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, described the incident as political terrorism and a dangerous signal for the state’s political environment.
He faulted security agencies for failing to respond promptly despite early reports of the midnight assault.
“The failure of security operatives to act swiftly shows a disturbing level of negligence. This trend of politically motivated violence must not be allowed to continue,” Olusola-Eleka warned.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti, SP Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, had ordered a full-scale investigation to uncover and arrest those responsible for the attack.
He assured residents that the command would ensure justice is served and that the culprits face the full weight of the law.
The incident has heightened political tension in Ekiti State as parties prepare for upcoming political activities.
What's Your Reaction?
