Pandemonium struck at the Elekahia Primary School polling station in Port Harcourt City Local Government when heavily armed men, disguised in police uniforms, launched an attack, firing teargas and seizing election materials. The sudden assault caused widespread panic as voters and election officials scrambled for safety.
The assailants, who arrived in 21 Hilux Patrol Vans, targeted the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) officials, chasing them from the scene while harassing an INEC staff member. Eyewitnesses reported that teargas canisters were fired directly into the crowd, forcing residents to flee into surrounding streets as the attackers made off with essential election materials.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the election, sparking tension in the area. Despite court orders preventing police involvement in the election and police authorities previously stating they would not provide security for the exercise, the local government election still proceeded.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, claimed to be unaware of the incident. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many questioning the credibility of the electoral process following this disruption.
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