Hoodlums invade Ekiti community, destroy property at LG secretariat

Some hoodlums have destroyed properties at Ilejemeje LG secretariat in Ekiti, following an attack on Eda Oniyo community.

The hoodlums were said to have invaded the community on Tuesday while shooting sporadically.

During the attack, some of the residents of Eda Oniyo were beaten up, with the hoodlums destroying cars and motorcycles parked on the roads.

Speaking with Punch, Julius Awolola, Eleda of Eda Oniyo, said the attack was due to a land tussle between the community and Obbo-Ayegunle, a neighbouring community in Kwara state.

The traditional ruler said one of the farmers beaten up by the hoodlums is receiving treatment in hospital.

“People from Obbo-Ayegunle, a Kwara state community, have been farming on our land, but the government of Ekiti state wants to use the land for youths and has deployed equipment there preparatory to beginning work,” the monarch said.

“That was what provoked them to attack us. They came on bikes. I was even at my farm at that time, they went to vandalise our (Ilejemeje) local government secretariat and then attacked some of our people who were already at their farms.

“Cars parked at the roadside were vandalised, and three motorbikes were set ablaze. One of the farmers beaten has been hospitalised.

“The government has sent soldiers and policemen to the community. They pleaded with our people not to retaliate. Soldiers and policemen are still at the council secretariat now.”

Sunday Abutu, Ekiti police spokesperson, told TheCable that the command has deployed operatives to the area and that an investigation into the incident has commenced.