Police foil attempt to burn Ekiti Assembly during speakership squabble

The Ekiti State Police Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) foiled hoodlums’ attempt to burn down the Ekiti Assembly complex on Friday.

According to reliable sources, the incident occurred around 4 a.m., when the hoodlums scaled the fence and attempted to raze a section of the complex.

Since the election of ex-Minority Leader Gboyega Aribisogan as Speaker on Tuesday to replace Funminiyi Afuye, who died on October 19,2022, the Assembly has been mired in a deep crisis of confidence.

Aribisogan received 15 votes in the plenary election, defeating Mrs. Olubunmi Adelugba, who received 10.

Since then, there has been wrangling among lawmakers, with some of them and powerful leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said to be sympathetic to Adelugba’s speakership.

Following intelligence reports, Ekiti Police Commissioner Moronkeji Adesina deployed watertight security to the complex and shut down the chamber to ensure the safety and security of lives and property.

DSP Sunday Abutu, the Public Relations Officer for the Ekiti ommand, confirmed the attempted attack.

Abutu revealed that the gang of ten was carrying two 25-litre kegs of petrol.

He claimed that RRS men and officers on the ground, strategically positioned, repelled them and gave the hoodlums a hot chase into the nearby bush.

“I can confirm to you that these hoodlums carrying two kegs of petrol and armed with cutlasses and other weapons came to burn down the assembly at the wee hours of today,” Abutu said.

“Their intention was that the police had left the area because our patrol vehicles had been removed from the two gates.” They assumed the location was no longer under security guard. They passed through a section of the complex but were met with resistance.

“The RRS operatives pursued them into the bush and recovered two kegs filled with petrol from them, among other dangerous exhibits.”

“We want to caution our people not to turn the assembly into a battleground.” It is an important branch of government that must be respected. People should refrain from causing unnecessary crisis in the hallowed chambers.

“Let me also state that our men and officers are on the ground to repel any dangerous moves made by mischief makers to wreak havoc in any part of the state.”

Abutu added that no one had been arrested in connection with the attempted arson attack, but that they were on the lookout.