Fayemi: “Arrant nonsense” — Angry youths, not gunmen, torched Isan station after police killed local

● Ex-governor faults media reports, says Isan crisis was community altercation, not insurgent attack

Former Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has dismissed reports that gunmen attacked and burnt the Isan Police Station, insisting the incident was triggered by police mishandling of a local altercation that led to the death of a youth.

“Arrant nonsense. This is a lie. No gunmen attacked police in my community,” Fayemi said in a riposte.

●See YouTube link sourced from PM News:

He stated: “It was police mishandling of a local altercation between two youths which led to the killing of one of the youths by the police that escalated to the burning of police station by the irate youth.”

The former governor said journalists could quote him, noting the same position was already on his Facebook page.

—Community leaders intervene before election—

Fayemi and his wife, Bisi, cast their votes Saturday at Ward 11, Isan-Ekiti, during the state governorship election.

Before voting, he met with leaders of the Isan Progressive Union to address the “unfortunate incident” of Friday night.

He described Isan-Ekiti as a historically peaceful community and said what occurred was “an isolated altercation between two individuals” with “nothing to do with politics or the election.”

He commended community leaders and residents for their swift response, which he said helped restore normalcy and enabled voters to turn out as expected.

—Police promise probe—

Fayemi said he had received assurances from police authorities, up to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, that a thorough investigation is underway and anyone found culpable will face justice.

“We must ensure that this unfortunate incident does not disturb the peace and harmony for which our community is known. May the soul of the departed rest well,” he added, urging all Ekiti people to remain peaceful and uphold democratic traditions.

The conflicting accounts come a day after reports claimed suspected gunmen attacked the station, injured two officers and set vehicles ablaze.

Police authorities had not issued an official statement as of press time.