Following the outbreak of violence in Ekiti State when gunmen killed at least three persons participating in the Ekiti State East 1 State Constituency Bye-Election on Saturday, the Independent National Electoral Commission has suspended the bye-election indefinitely.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday by the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.
The statement partly read, “The commission made adequate arrangements for the election. Personnel and materials arrived on time in all the 39 Polling Units spread across five wards of the constituency for the 23,670 registered voters to exercise their franchise in a free and fair process.
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“However, no sooner had the voting commenced than unidentified gunmen unleashed mayhem at some polling units, thereby disrupting the process.
“Unfortunately, some innocent voters were shot dead, while a policeman, some INEC regular and ad hoc staff who sustained gunshot injuries during the melee are receiving medical attention.
“The situation is unacceptable. In its avowed commitment to electoral integrity, the commission has suspended the election indefinitely. To continue with the process will amount to rewarding bad behaviour. The security agencies are aware of this unfortunate situation and have commenced investigation.
“The commission commiserates with the innocent victims of this dastardly act and affront to our democracy.”
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However, Three persons were feared dead during the Ekiti East Constituency I bye-election in Ekiti East Council area of Ekiti State for a vacant House of Assembly seat on Saturday.
No fewer than five others also sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries with about three of them said to be in critical condition at the hospitals where they are receiving treatment.
While residents said a 50 years old man identified as Bola and a 35 years old man were feared shot dead, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the injured included two policemen and a corps member.
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