Ekiti 2026: Suspected Hoodlums Attack NAN, The Nation Reporters in Iyin-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Yinusa Ishola, and The Nation newspaper correspondent, Razak Ibrahim, were attacked by suspected hoodlums while covering the Ekiti State governorship election in Iyin-Ekiti on Saturday.

The incident occurred at Polling Unit 10, Ward B, in Iyin-Ekiti, located in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The attack reportedly followed the arrival of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who had visited the area to monitor allegations of vote-buying during the election.

According to eyewitness accounts, tension rose shortly after the EFCC officials arrived at the polling unit. Some individuals, believed to be hoodlums, accused the anti-graft agency’s operatives of attempting to intimidate and harass voters participating in the electoral process.

As the situation escalated, the hoodlums confronted the EFCC personnel and demanded that they leave the area. The confrontation quickly degenerated into a commotion, creating panic among voters and election observers present at the polling unit.

The two journalists, who were on assignment to monitor and report developments during the governorship election, became targets of the hoodlums during the disturbance.

Razak Ibrahim of The Nation was reportedly recording the confrontation between the EFCC operatives and the suspected hoodlums with his mobile phone when he was accosted by the attackers. The journalists were harassed and prevented from carrying out their professional duties as the unrest unfolded.

The incident raised concerns about the safety of media personnel covering elections and other public events, particularly in tense political environments. Journalists play a critical role in providing accurate and timely information to the public, and attacks on media practitioners are often viewed as threats to press freedom and democratic accountability.

Security agencies were expected to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

The Ekiti governorship election has generally witnessed peaceful voting across most parts of the state, although isolated incidents such as the attack in Iyin-Ekiti have highlighted ongoing concerns about election-related violence and intimidation.

Observers have called for improved protection for journalists and election officials to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.