Following the murder of a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Itaji Ekiti yesterday, by suspected political thugs allegedly belonging to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), top chieftains of the party are now on the run.

Police are said to have commenced moves to arrest a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, Mr Bunmi Ogunleye and others who were fingered in the murder of Tope Ajayi amidst several others who sustained a degree of injuries.

One of the victims, Joshua John, who is presently in a critical condition at the State University Teaching Hospital, was said to have alleged that he was tortured and shot in the leg in the presence of the SDP governorship candidate, Engr Segun Oni and Daramola.

A top police officer told our reporter that by tomorrow (Monday), the police will begin a manhunt for those fingered in the violent attack.

“No one will be spared. Not even any governorship candidate because no one is above the law. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and anyone found culpable will be prosecuted,” the police officer said.

A chieftain of the SDP who is close to Oni said he may have decided to put on hold, other campaign rallies planned for this week while he has advised top members of the SDP in Ekiti State to go underground for fear of arrest.

“Oga (Segun Oni) is afraid of a police clampdown on his men. He is also afraid of reprisal attacks by the drivers’ union, and as such, he has instructed members and supporters of the SDP in the State to lie low for now.

“He has also said those with vehicles branded in SDP colours should avoid going out with them at this time.

“Even we, the party members are afraid now because of a possible attack. We can’t even wear campaign caps and shirts.”