Residents of Isan-Ekiti turned out in low numbers for Saturday’s governorship election following the fatal shooting of a young man in the community on Friday night.
Despite the presence of electoral officials and security personnel across polling units, many voters appeared reluctant to participate in the exercise, with fear and uncertainty lingering after the incident.
Journalists monitoring the election observed sparse turnout at several polling centres during the early hours of voting, a development that contrasted with expectations for the hometown of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu.
Concerned by the situation, community leaders urged residents not to allow the tragedy to discourage them from exercising their civic responsibility.
Speaking on the incident, the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Adejuwon, said the shooting was not connected to the governorship election and should not be viewed as politically motivated.
According to the monarch, the incident stemmed from a dispute between two youths in the community and had no link to the electoral process.
He called on residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and come out to vote peacefully.
Other prominent figures in the community, including the women’s leader, Mrs Adesola Adejuwon; President of the Isan Progressive Union, Prof. Mathew Oluwamukomi; and Mr Olaoluwa Daodu, also appealed for calm.
They assured residents that normalcy had been restored and encouraged eligible voters to return to the polling units without fear.
The leaders further called on security agencies to maintain a strong presence in the area to safeguard lives and property and ensure a peaceful election.
As of the time of filing this report, voting was still underway, while efforts continued to reassure residents and boost participation in the poll.
