Chaos in Rivers: Gunmen in Police uniform hijack election materials, voters, officials flee
Mayhem in Rivers
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
Pandemonium broke out at Elekahia Primary School in Port Harcourt City Local Government as heavily armed men, dressed in police uniform, stormed the polling station, firing teargas and seizing election materials.
The sudden invasion sent officials and voters fleeing for their lives.
Masked assailants, arriving in 21 Hilux Patrol Vans, chased RSIEC officials, harassing an INEC staff member and carting away vital election materials.
The Punch reports that teargas canisters were fired directly into the crowd, causing widespread panic.
Residents and voters scrambled for safety, rushing into nearby streets, as police patrol vans sped away with stolen materials. The incident sparked tension in the area.
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However, the State Police Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, claimed unawareness of the incident.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as “absolute chaos.” The disruption raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Despite so much controversies surrounding the local government election, including court orders directing the police not to participate, the election went ahead on Saturday.
Prior to Saturday, police authorities in the state had said they will not provide security for the exercise, citing the court order barring them.
