In a shocking turn of events on Saturday afternoon, suspected gunmen launched an audacious attack on polling units situated at the All Saints Anglican Cathedral, causing chaos and disrupting the electoral process.
The gunmen, numbering over 10, went on a rampage, not only attacking vote buyers but also snatching an astonishing sum of over N1.5 million that was being distributed to voters at four polling units within the cathedral premises.
An individual, who witnessed this distressing incident, described the harrowing scenes of the gunmen firing shots incessantly.
Amidst the chaos, panic ensued, with even policemen and INEC officials taking evasive action, suspecting potential ballot snatchers. Voters, party agents, and observers, including journalists, fled the polling centers in fear for their safety.
The audacious hoodlums directly targeted the locations where money was being distributed, making off with a substantial amount before fleeing the scene. A party agent, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that each polling unit at the location had initially received N1 million, totaling a staggering N4 million for the election.
However, before the gunmen struck, a significant portion of the money had already been shared among voters.
In the aftermath of this alarming incident, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party ,LP, Athan Achonu, shared his sentiments on the ongoing election in Imo State. After casting his vote in Umunumo Ward, Ehime Mbano local government area, Achonu expressed hope for Nigeria’s democracy.
He emphasized his belief that the President aimed to ensure a free and fair election in Imo State, instilling optimism for the future of democracy in the country.
Addressing the issue of voter apathy, Achonu attributed it to the apprehension caused by the unusual presence of security personnel in the area.
He acknowledged that many residents had never witnessed such a significant deployment of security forces, leading to anxiety among the electorate. However, Achonu reassured the community, stating that the security personnel were present for their protection and to safeguard the electoral process.
Responding to allegations of the diversion of electoral materials, Achonu confirmed that his campaign organization had received such information and was diligently verifying the claims before making any public statements.
Reports suggested that electoral materials meant for Orsu Local Government Area were diverted to the residence of a specific traditional ruler.
However, Achonu stressed the importance of verifying these allegations before bringing them to the public domain.
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