Vigilant security operatives in Imo State on Saturday foiled an attempt by alleged political thugs to abduct officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission officials and cart away election materials.

The incident happened at a registration area centre in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the attempt by the thugs to whisk away the INEC officials into their waiting vehicle was quickly repelled by the security agents deployed in the centre.

An eyewitness account said that the armed security operatives fired into the air from a distance when voters in the area raised the alarm over the presence of the thugs.

“The thugs quickly retreated into their bus and sped off on hearing the sound of the gun,” the eyewitness told journalists on condition of anonymity.

An unarmed Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps operative at the scene told journalists that the thugs wanted to hijack the INEC officials and election materials but luck ran out on them when some people started shouting during a stampede.

“It was their shouting that alerted the armed security personnel who quickly shot into the air, forcing the thugs to take to their heels,” the NSCDC operative said on condition of anonymity.

There was heavy presence of security personnel on major roads in the state.

In Owerri, the state capital, and its environs, armed security personnel mounted checkpoints at strategic locations as early as 6:00 a.m. to enforce movement restriction.

Heavily armed soldiers were seen at different entry points into the city, stopping and searching vehicles, and interrogating drivers and passengers.

All polling units in Isu Njaba had materials and INEC officials on ground as early as 8:00 a.m.

Consequently, the accreditation of voters commenced at about 8:30 a.m. in the area without any security presence at the time this report was filed.  

(NAN)