WATCH: Election violence witnessed in Lagos as thugs destroy ballot boxes
There were incidents of violence at some polling units in Lagos State during the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.
An election process that started seemingly well across the country has now been marred by reports of violence in some parts.
Suspected political thugs stormed Ago Palace Way, Okota in the Oshodi/Isolo LGA, to destroy ballot boxes and papers as helpless police officers couldn’t control the situation. Several videos showed political thugs arriving to scatter the process while also setting fire to the people’s votes.
A helpless police officer tried valiantly to prevent the thugs from destroying ballot boxes.
Angry electorates lashed out at police operatives for allowing the thugs disrupt the process, as people took to their heels during the mayhem.
A suspected thug was also mobbed and nearly burned alive by irate electorates.
On Sunday, residents of the area revealed that they slept with one eye opened as they were scared of a reprisal attack.
Police patrolled the area to ensure that peace and calm is restored.
President Muhammadu Buhari had given an order days before the election that political thugs should be dealt with ruthlessly.
Police officers, some unarmed, were deployed to polling units while military personnel were told to only step in when things spiral out of control.
INEC said on Saturday it has identified places of election violence and would conduct fresh poll in such areas.
