Tension erupted in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Thursday as members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) clashed with commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as “Okada Riders,” following the death of a ticketing officer.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the confrontation began early in the morning when Okada riders accused OPC members of involvement in the officer’s death near the OPC office in Atikankan. The dispute quickly escalated into a violent clash, with both groups wielding dangerous weapons, including cutlasses and knives.
The violence lasted over two hours, resulting in multiple injuries. The exact number of casualties remains unclear.
To restore order, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Ekiti State Police Command was dispatched to the area. Police spokesperson SP Abutu Sunday confirmed that six suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Authorities assured residents that proactive measures were being taken to prevent further unrest and restore peace to the community. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the ticketing officer’s death and hold those responsible accountable.
