Claims linking the violent incident that occurred in Isan-Ekiti on Friday, June 19, 2026, to the Ekiti State governorship election have been found to be false, following independent findings that the incident was unrelated to the election.

Findings by correspondents of Afinju 90.7FM, who are in Ekiti State to monitor the governorship election, revealed that the incident, which resulted in the loss of one life, burning of a police station and five vehicles, occurred during a football match held at a primary school field in the community.

The vehicles destroyed included two cars, two trucks, and a Coaster bus. One of the vehicles reportedly belonged to the Nigerian Police Force and had been deployed to the area for election duty.

The fact-check became necessary after reports circulated widely on social media alleging that the violence was politically motivated and aimed at intimidating voters ahead of the election.

However, findings showed that the crisis stemmed from a misunderstanding between two young community members during the football event and was not connected to politics or the election.

Speaking with our correspondent, one of the individuals involved, Ajibola Wasiu, explained that the altercation began when a young man, who recently completed military training at an army depot and returned to the community, confronted him over a camouflage cap he was accused of wearing.

According to Wasiu, two police officers who were seated nearby confirmed that the cap was not military camouflage, but the disagreement escalated into a confrontation.

He alleged that the young man slapped him and the others accompanying him attacked the police officers. One of the officers reportedly escaped and ran to the police station to report the incident, while the second officer, who had travelled from Abuja for election duty, was allegedly beaten and held captive before being rescued.

The owner of four of the five vehicles destroyed also spoke to our correspondent, explaining that he became entangled in the crisis after pleading with those holding the police officer not to harm him, noting that the officer was not from the community.

He added that he warned he could identify those involved because he knew them personally, a move he believes made him a target during the violence.

The man said he had since relocated his wife and children for safety, while his home was vandalised, with windows and other property damaged during the unrest.

He confirmed that he reported the matter to the police, although he had yet to formally meet with the community’s traditional ruler or the Divisional Police Officer (DPO).

 

Isan Progressives Union Dismisses Political Violence Claims

Meanwhile, the Isan Progressives Union (IPU) has also dismissed reports linking the incident to the Ekiti governorship election.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and signed by its President, Matthew O. Oluwamukomi, the union described the incident as unfortunate and deeply regrettable.

According to the IPU, available information confirmed that the violence resulted from a misunderstanding between two indigenes during a football match and had no political undertone.

“We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that this unfortunate incident has no political colouration whatsoever and should not be interpreted, reported, or presented as political violence,” the statement read.

The union stressed that the timing of the incident, coming on the eve of the governorship election, was purely coincidental and should not be used to spread false narratives capable of causing tension in the state.

“It should not be used to create political tension, mislead the public, or distort the true circumstances of the incident,” the statement added.

The IPU appealed to the media, political actors, and members of the public to avoid politicising the tragedy.

The union also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Kabiyesi-in-Council, youths, and the entire Isan-Ekiti community over the loss.

Oluwamukomi disclosed that the union had already met with traditional leaders, prominent indigenes, and the bereaved family to sympathise with them and discuss peaceful ways of resolving the matter.

He further stated that the IPU was engaging relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and assured residents that the union would continue to pursue justice through lawful means while promoting peace, unity, and harmony in the community.