Rivers LG election halted as armed operatives storm scene, shoot teargas
Rivers LG Election has been halted following the arrival of armed men dressed in police uniform.
Some of the armed men were masked and were seen arriving in about 21 Hilux vans. They drove in from Elekahia Road and immediately fired several tear gas as soon as they arrived at the venue
Some of the RSIEC officials were harassed. and we’re also asked to remove their vests and hand them over before carting away with the election materials.
One was heard telling an official “Come here, remove that vest. What are you doing here”?
RSIEC officials who had earlier set up their stand to begin accreditation in Ward 19 with 10 polling units took to their heels as the operatives shot teargas repeatedly.
Those who came out to vote were not sparred as canisters of teargas was shot directly at them.
Residents scampered for safety after one operative directed the teargas at bystanders at the entrance of Ibe Street in Elekahia.
As tthe violence ensued, Ibe and Boms Streets in Elekahia became a safe haven as RSIEC officials, voters and residents were seen running there while the the operatives were later seen driving away in full speed with the election materials.
