Ekiti 2026: Journalists attacked while covering Ekiti governorship election

Two  journalists covering Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State were attacked by some voters during a disturbance at a polling unit in Iyin Ekiti.

The affected journalists were Rasaq Ibrahim of The Nation  newspaper and Yunusa Ishola of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The incident occurred at Polling Unit 10, Ward B, where operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had reportedly arrived to monitor alleged vote-buying activities.

Tension escalated when some voters objected to the presence of the anti-graft agency’s officials, accusing them of attempting to intimidate voters and interfere with the electoral process.

Amid the confusion, Ibrahim, who was recording the incident on his mobile phone in the course of his duties, was allegedly confronted by some agitated voters.

Despite explaining that he was documenting the event for journalistic purposes, the crowd reportedly became hostile and physically attacked him in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent coverage of the incident.

The reporter sustained minor injuries to his legs before escaping from the scene.

Similarly, NAN correspondent Yunusa Ishola was caught in the commotion and reportedly lost his official identity card while attempting to cover the unfolding events.

Witnesses said security personnel stationed at the polling unit did not intervene as the incident unfolded.