There is tension in Ikere Ekiti where cultists believed to be students of higher institutions in the state have launched attacks on residents killing about five people within the week.
Although the cause of the violence was still unknown on Thursday, a resident said five persons had been killed since the attacks started within the week.
“The victims were hacked to death in Araromi area of the town,” the source added.
But the traditional ruler of the town, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, said only one person was killed.
It was learnt that about 20 suspects had been arrested by the community vigilante group and they had been handed them over to the police.
Police have increased surveillance in the town by conducting stop and search on vehicles coming in and out of the town
The situation has caused panic as residents now go to bed early while commercial activities have also reduced.
Oba Adu, while confirming the death of one person, said the attacks were carried out by students’ cultists from Ado Ekiti.
“I can only confirm to you that only one person has been killed, the attacks were carried out by suspected students’ cultists from Ado who invaded Ikere to carry out the attacks.
“They were coming for another reprisal on Wednesday when 20 of them were arrested by the vigilantes in the town.
“We are calling on the Police and other security agencies to be more vigilant and protect citizens carrying out their legitimate businesses and anybody having information that can assist security agencies should assist them in their investigation.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, could not be reached on his mobile phone on Thursday.
He had also yet to respond to a text message sent to him as of press time.
