The Ekiti State Police Command says it has arrested three thugs suspected for the violence that disrupted the Ekiti East State Constituency l by-election on Saturday.

Police Commissioner Tunde Mobayo, Speaking yesterday through the Command’s spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the suspects were apprehended in their hideout and were being detained at the police headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The suspects, Saturday, allegedly shot dead three persons while five others sustained gunshot wounds during the by-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mobayo assured the residents that those arrested will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

“Yes, three suspected party thugs have been arrested. They were picked up where they were hiding and are now being detained in our headquarters.

“Murder is a capital offence and the police won’t watch and allow anyone to take the law into his own hands. Nigeria is a nation being guided by laws.

“Just like we assured our people on Saturday, everyone who had hands in the killings will be brought to justice.

“I am assuring that all those that were arrested will be taken to court as soon as we conclude investigations and gather enough evidence,” he said.

The seat became vacant upon the demise, February, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing the constituency, Juwa Adegbuyi.

On the condition of the policewoman shot during the violence, Mobayo said: “No police officer died during the shooting by party thugs. Though one of our officers was shot, but she didn’t die, as wrongly speculated.

“The policewoman, who though was in a critical condition yesterday (Saturday), is now responding to treatment. She is getting better.”

Also, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, in company of the police commissioner and other leaders of security agencies in the state, yesterday paid a condolence visit to Omuo-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ekiti East Local Government Area where the violence erupted.

At the palace of the Olomuo, Oba Noah Omonigbeyin, Fayemi promised not to politicise the killings.

He prayed against a recurrence of such incident, saying his government will not tolerate violence and other manifestations of brigandage that could trigger hatred among the residents.

“We may not be able to bring back the dead, but every perpetrator will be dealt with to serve as deterrent to others.

“After I spoke with Senator Abiodun Olujimi yesterday (Saturday), I called the police commissioner and instructed him to do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators. I’m happy to inform you, kabiyesi, that as I arrived the state today (Sunday), the police commissioner said all the culprits have been arrested and they shall be charged to court on Monday for murder,” Fayemi said.

The governor hailed Oba Omonigbeyin for maintaining peace in the community and preventing the residents from taking the law into their hands after the electoral violence.