Unknown gunmen attack INEC workers, voters, journalists; burn voting materials, vehicles
Unknown gunmen have disrupted ongoing council elections at Enugu South council area Ward 3, in Obeagu community near Enugu, burning electoral materials and three vehicles.
About 10 of them, the gunmen stormed the polling units of the ward at about 1:00 p.m. in a Sienna and Toyota Highlander, shooting sporadically, forcing voters, INEC workers, election observers and journalists to flee.
Many people were injured in the attack. A bullet hit an unidentified politician in the head.
The gunmen also attacked the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS). A journalist and the ESBS bus driver were held hostage in the vehicle and dealt machete blows.
They are now receiving treatment in an undisclosed Enugu hospital.
Confirming the incident, the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) chairman Mike Ajogwu said the commission learnt of the attack.
“I have sent some top commissioners and staff of the commission to go and find out what really happened and get back to me,” he stated.
On whether the elections in that ward will be declared inconclusive, Mr Ajogwu added, “It will largely depend on the feedback from those I have mandated to visit the ward already.”
Efforts to contact police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe for comments on the attack were unsuccessful.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Diaspora
Diaspora group condemns alleged killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, demands justice
NUSA said it has commenced engagement with the police to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and that justice prevails.
States
Taraba chief judge lauds Tinubu’s move to establish state police
The chief judge said the issue of state police was crucial given the spate of criminality in the country.
States
Ekiti govt orders free treatment for rescued worshippers
Oyebanji directed the Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the welfare and well-being of the rescued worshippers.
States
Rescue operation ongoing for abducted Oyo pupils, teachers: Army chief
The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo.
States
Gov. Radda vows zero tolerance for gender, child abuse
The governor pledged sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen prevention, response, and support mechanisms for GBV victims.
Diaspora
Consulate demands justice as another Nigerian killed in South Africa
The consulate called on the South African government to launch an investigation into all alleged murder cases and prosecute perpetrators.
