Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Police Commissioner Hails High Early Voter Turnout in Governorship Polls
Security agencies report calm atmosphere as residents throng polling units across Ekiti State for Saturday’s elections
Security agencies report calm atmosphere as residents throng polling units across Ekiti State for Saturday’s elections
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State has commended what he described as “unprecedented” early voter turnout during the ongoing governorship election held across the state on Saturday, June 20. The police chief made the remarks after visiting several polling centres in Ado-Ekiti and other major towns to assess the electoral process.
According to security sources, residents began arriving at polling stations as early as 7:30 a.m., with long queues forming in many locations before the official commencement of accreditation. Officers from the Nigeria Police Force, supported by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies, were seen deployed at strategic points to maintain order and ensure safety throughout the exercise.
The high turnout comes amid heightened interest in this year’s governorship contest, which observers say is pivotal for both major parties — All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — in consolidating their influence in the South-West geopolitical zone. Previous elections in Ekiti have witnessed concerns about low participation and voter apathy; however, Saturday’s early crowd suggests increased mobilisation efforts by political actors and civil society groups.
Speaking after his monitoring tour, the Commissioner of Police said: “We are impressed with the peaceful conduct so far and urge all eligible voters to remain law-abiding as they exercise their civic rights.” The police chief assured that security agencies would remain vigilant throughout voting and result collation. There were no major incidents reported as at midday, according to official updates from the command.
Election officials say counting will begin immediately after voting ends later on Saturday, with results expected to be announced at local government collation centres before transmission to INEC headquarters in Ado-Ekiti. Stakeholders have called on party supporters to maintain peace during collation and announcement of results.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Truck Accident Blocks Oshodi-Apapa Road as Driver, Assistant Escape Scene
Police evacuate vehicles after container truck falls near Afariogun, Oshodi, causing heavy gridlock and diversions
Police evacuate vehicles after container truck falls near Afariogun, Oshodi, causing heavy gridlock and diversions
A 40-foot container truck lost control and fell near the Afariogun intersection along the Oshodi-Murtala Muhammed Airport Road in Lagos on Thursday morning, forcing motorists to take alternative routes and causing major traffic congestion. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. along the busy Oshodi-Apapa axis, with the truck’s driver and his assistant fleeing the scene immediately after the crash.
Eyewitnesses said the truck, bearing registration number Abuja RBC 560 XE, was travelling at high speed when the driver attempted to brake at an intersection close to the flyover. The truck toppled over, blocking much of the expressway and affecting traffic flow towards Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Two cars following behind collided as a result of the sudden accident, but their occupants escaped unhurt, reportedly because they were moving at low speed.
The incident led to significant delays for commuters, with traffic diverted through Toyota-Apakun Bridge as police officers and emergency responders worked to clear the obstruction. Many travellers heading for flights at the airport experienced extended journey times, while others were left stranded in the ensuing gridlock. Residents and business owners in Oshodi expressed concern over repeated road safety issues involving articulated vehicles along this corridor.
According to eyewitness accounts, emergency services arrived more than an hour after the accident took place. The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that all affected vehicles were eventually removed from the road to restore normal traffic flow. No casualties were reported as at press time.
Stakeholders have called for stricter enforcement of speed limits and enhanced monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles operating within Lagos metropolis. Authorities are yet to comment on measures to apprehend the absconded driver and assistant or prevent further incidents on this critical transport route.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Launch Manhunt for Abducted Farmer’s Rescue
Command confirms arrest after armed men seized 20-year-old Michael Benua in Oorelope LGA; security operations ongoing
Command confirms arrest after armed men seized 20-year-old Michael Benua in Oorelope LGA; security operations ongoing
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang linked to the abduction of Michael Benua, a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer, in Igboti Village, Oorelope Local Government Area. The incident occurred in the early hours of June 19 when about eight armed men invaded the community through the Okutalogun axis.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the breakthrough came during an ongoing investigation led by officers from Okaka Police Division. The suspects, reportedly armed with firearms and cutlasses, allegedly whisked Benua away to an unknown location after attacking residents and carting away valuables.
Kidnapping cases have remained a significant concern for communities across Oyo State and the wider South-West region. Residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures as criminal groups continue to target rural settlements. The latest abduction highlights ongoing safety challenges faced by farmers and herders in remote areas.
DSP Olayinka stated that efforts are underway to rescue the victim unharmed and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. “We are intensifying our operations with all available resources to ensure Michael Benua is rescued safely,” he said in the written statement. As at press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
Police authorities urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate by providing credible information that could assist investigations. The Command assured residents that they are committed to restoring security across affected communities while warning criminal elements that they will face prosecution when caught.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Governor Fayemi Votes in Ekiti, Commends INEC Over Election Conduct
Former Ekiti leader expresses satisfaction with electoral process as residents cast ballots in 2026 governorship poll
Former Ekiti leader expresses satisfaction with electoral process as residents cast ballots in 2026 governorship poll
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, participated in the ongoing governorship election in Ekiti on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Fayemi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), cast his vote at his polling unit and praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its organisation of the exercise.
The former governor arrived at his designated polling centre in Ekiti to perform his civic responsibility alongside other voters. Observers reported that voting commenced as scheduled at several polling units across the state, with officials distributing ballot papers and checking voter cards.
Fayemi’s participation is significant given his influence within the South-West political landscape and longstanding ties to Ekiti politics. The conduct of the election is being closely watched amid calls from various stakeholders for a transparent and credible process. Previous elections in Ekiti have been marked by tension and disputes among major parties including APC and PDP.
After casting his ballot, Fayemi expressed satisfaction with INEC’s management of logistics and security arrangements on ground. He called on residents to maintain peace and allow the will of the people to prevail. INEC officials at the scene also noted that turnout had been encouraging as at midday.
With collation set to begin after polls close later today, attention will turn to how INEC manages result transmission and addresses any complaints from political parties. The outcome of this election is expected to shape Ekiti’s political direction ahead of national contests.
Lagos Truck Accident Blocks Oshodi-Apapa Road as Driver, Assistant Escape Scene
Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Launch Manhunt for Abducted Farmer’s Rescue
Ex-Governor Fayemi Votes in Ekiti, Commends INEC Over Election Conduct
Ex-Governor Fayose Votes in Ekiti, Predicts Landslide Victory for Governor Oyebanji
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