Altercation In Ekiti Leaves Sowore Injured, Police Report

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate, was hurt during a fight with some people at a restaurant in the state, the Ekiti State Police Command confirmed on Friday.

According to the command, the candidate is presently being treated at a state hospital.

Sowore was abducted by armed thugs in Ado Ekiti, according to a message that was previously posted on X. His whereabouts are unknown.

However, Sunday Abutu, the state police public relations officer, stated that the AAC presidential candidate was currently receiving treatment at Police Hospital in Ado Ekiti rather than being abducted.

The message on Sowore’s X handle, stated, “Armed thugs kidnap Sowore. His current location is unknown.

“We have been brutally attacked and injured by armed government-sponsored thugs in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

“The @officialDSSNG provided the attackers with our exact location enabling them to carry out this vicious assault. We won’t back down. We have a country to liberate.”

But the police spokesperson, Abutu said law enforcement agents on Friday received alert that Sowore was having issues with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti and moved in to rescue him.

The PPRO stated, “The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the altercation, identify all individuals involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice”.

Abutu added,, “The attention of the Ekiti State Police Command has been drawn to a message circulating on social media alleging that Mr Omoyele Sowore was kidnapped by armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti, with his whereabouts unknown.

“The command wishes to categorically clarify that Mr Sowore was not kidnapped. Rather, preliminary information indicates that he had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti, following which the police were immediately alerted.

“Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued him. He, however, sustained a minor injury and is currently receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital, Ado-Ekiti”.

The command called for calm and urged members of the public to “disregard the misleading narrative of an alleged kidnapping and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension.

“The Ekiti State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property, irrespective of political affiliation, status or background, and assures the public of its continued determination to maintain law and order across the state.”

When will we change as a country? Must violence, injuries and even deaths become part of politics whenever an election approaches? Nigerians need to change their mindset and reject political violence. Those who are sent to fight are risking their lives, while the people directing them and their children remain safe. We must think more carefully, value human life and refuse to be used for political ends.